"Is it good to be childish?" (Alleged Contradiction #E2811)
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:14
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Mark 10:15
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Luke 18:17
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
I Corinthians 13:11
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
I Corinthians 14:20
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive…
Ephesians 4:14
Response
We are to receive the gospel with childlike faith. However, in understanding, we are to be men, not children.
Children accept what their parents say at face value as true (usually). This is the way we are to accept the gospel; not with a critical skepticism, but with our whole hearts, placing complete trust in Jesus Christ. In this way, we are certainly to be like little children. We are also to be children concerning evil (or malice). However, when it comes to wisdom and understanding, we are commanded to mature in the Lord, becoming men.
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