Winning Like A Baby

Have you ever seen anything uglier than a newborn baby?

Tap into the power babies have over us.

Think about it. 

• Most of them are chubby. 

• They have no teeth at all. 

• They can’t open their mouths without some kind of liquid coming out. 

• They are short and mostly bald--even the girls! 

• And they lie around crying all the time.

Yet we love them to death!

I’d say that is pretty awesome power. They have us wrapped around their stubby little fingers. 

What wouldn’t we do for them? 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to win hearts like they do? 

I’m not saying we should act like a baby, just win like one. Consider a few ways we can imitate babies and win hearts around us.

1. Be pure. 

Isn’t that the heart of what Jesus meant when He said, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3)?

We need purity of heart. Who doubts the intentions of babies? No one thinks a baby is secretly plotting to hurt others. We do not fear our words around them. They are harmless.

We’ve met people that we cannot trust. We guard our words and actions lest they have something to use against us. It is not a fun situation. Let us be extraordinary people that can be trusted never to intentionally do harm to others around us.

2. Be facial.

Have you noticed the way a baby’s face lights up when he recognizes someone? His face shines with excitement and we get a thrill knowing the child remembers and loves us. 

There are not many passages in the Bible that mention smiles, but there are plenty of passages that tell us to be pleasant to others. Proverbs 16:24 tells us that “Pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” So let us be pleasant and loving. Smile. Meet new people. Act like you are interested in others. Show it with your face.

3. Be vulnerable.

Babies are the most vulnerable people in the world. Not only are they incapable of self-defense. They cannot even recognize dangers around them.

Here we need balance. Vulnerability seems weak but is a key to developing relationships. Be open to others. Show love. Accept love. Do not live afraid of being hurt. Certainly you will be hurt at times, but love anyway. 

Consider how Jesus treated Judas, and follow His lead. Consider the Messianic prophecy of Psalm 41:9. “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has turned up his heel against me.” This shows us that Jesus trusted Judas even though He knew Judas would betray Him. On that last evening, Jesus even washed Judas' feet.

Be wise, and be open.

Win Like A Baby

Can you think of other characteristics that help us connect with others? Let's discuss them in the comments section below!