“Become as a Little Child” | James M. Paramore | May 1983
Aug 30, 2023
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James M. Paramore, an inspiring speaker known for his insights on faith and family, emphasizes the importance of childlike qualities. He discusses the unique gifts that children possess, such as unwavering faith and trust, and how adults can learn from these traits. Personal stories highlight the impact of embracing innocence and humility in spiritual growth. Paramore encourages listeners to nurture their own childlike beliefs to strengthen connections with God and others, ultimately fostering deeper compassion and community commitment.
Retaining childlike qualities such as strong belief and implicit faith is essential for personal growth and spiritual fulfillment.
Embracing the simple obedience characteristic of children can lead to greater blessings and a more spiritually enriched life.
Deep dives
The Value of Childlike Qualities
Retaining childlike qualities such as a strong belief system and implicit faith is crucial for personal growth and spiritual fulfillment. Children possess an innate ability to believe in the potential of themselves and others, demonstrated by their unwavering confidence in their ability to achieve great things. An example illustrated in the podcast recounts how a young boy, through this belief, was able to bring forth a list of 200 names for missionary work after being inspired by a church leader's encouragement. This highlights how childlike faith can propel individuals into fruitful spiritual actions, enhancing both their lives and the lives of others in their community.
The Importance of Obedience
Obedience is another vital lesson derived from the simplicity of childhood, characterized by immediate and uncomplicated compliance to authority. Young children often follow directives without questioning the reasoning behind them, a stark contrast to the extensive justifications typically sought by adults. An example detailing a child who stopped in the middle of a busy road upon hearing his father's command illustrates this concept perfectly; the instinct to obey kept him safe without needing an elaborate explanation. By embracing this principle of obedience, individuals can open themselves up to greater blessings and a life marked by spiritual fulfillment.
The Power of Service and Enthusiasm
Children epitomize the power of selfless service and an enthusiastic approach to life, qualities that are often overshadowed in adulthood. Their instinctive desire to help others stems from a pure love, untainted by ulterior motives or the desire for recognition, as seen in examples of children tending to injured birds or eagerly assisting those in need. Additionally, the zest for life that children possess encourages a fresh perspective on experiences, allowing them to appreciate each moment without being bogged down by past challenges. Cultivating this energy and willingness to serve can lead to a more enriched and joyful life, serving as an inspiration for adults to reclaim these essential traits.
In trying to follow the example of the Savior, we should look to the example of little children and the special gifts that they have. Click here to view the speech page.