"Good morning Christopher, did you sleep well?" "Good morning Grandma, I slept OK, but I had a dream."

Grandma asked, "What was the dream about?"

Christopher replied, "I dreamed that I was a grown up, but I don't want to be a grown up yet, that's not the real world!"

Isn't it amazing that a four and a half year old child knows the difference between what is real and what isn't? He will tell you with utmost confidence that he is not an adult, no doubts whatsoever.

Do you know what else is amazing?

It is that he will tell you with the same conviction about Jesus being real and is willing to argue with you if you were to tell him differently. Why, because from the "cradle," he has been taught about God and His word. He can tell you most of the stories that are normally taught in children's Bible classes. It is wonderful and amazing at the same time!

How many of us as adults can tell the stories found in God's word and not miss a detail? How many can tell them with faith and conviction that these are what the "real world" is all about?

Well a couple of Scriptures come to mind. First, the apostle Paul reminded Timothy "that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15) Jesus told his disciples that, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

Do you want a definition of "the real world"?

It is having faith in Jesus Christ and becoming like children — children who in their utter faith and conviction believe that God is real and can take care of them no matter what. That's the world in which I am striving to live, how about you?

When is the last time you sang those words to the simple children's song 'Jesus loves me'? You remember them don't you?

Jesus loves me this I know,

For the Bible tells me so;

When is the last time you sang those words?

Little ones to him belong,

They are weak, but he is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me,

The Bible tells me so.

The Marriage Builder by Larry Crabb An all-new discussion guide has been added to this marriage-enrichment classic.

Russ Lawson is a former missionary to Africa and minister in Ohio. He now works with World Christian Literature Outreach and writes a weekly email devotional, Messages from the Heart. For more information about Russ, click here.

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