Reclaiming Childlike Faith

Reclaiming childlike faith begins with returning to the qualities that first brought us close to the Savior: humility, conversion, and being a witness of Christ. Humility opens our hearts to His grace, conversion keeps us dwelling in truth and following His guidance, and living as a witness allows His light to shine through our actions. In this post, I’ll explore each of these points and how they invite us to see the world again with the wonder, hope, and trust of a child.

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BE HUMBLE

Humility is what qualifies me for His grace. Alongside meekness, it is the key to obtaining God’s power, as well as entering His kingdom. I see this in my own students—sometimes we think we’ve reached the pinnacle when we gain a little power, believing we can manage on our own. But when we think we don’t need Him, we shut ourselves off from His help and support.

I need to see myself as Omni did when praying for forgiveness, as Job did at the bottom of the barrel, and as Jonah did in the belly of the whale—completely nothing without the Lord. Life has a way of placing us in humbling circumstances, and though challenging, they can bring us back to square one, to the place we were as little children.

As Christ taught, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3–4, KJV). True power to overcome and to be great in God’s kingdom is found in the simple humility of the least of us—a little child.

BE CONVERTED

Being converted means dwelling in and acting in accordance with truth. It is placing my hand in the Lord’s, open and ready to follow Him. As Alma 37:35 reminds us, “Learn of me… that ye may walk circumspectly before God.” There is deep peace and power in knowing we are on the right path, not lost in the bushes and mire. When I hike, I feel that same reassurance: following a known trail with certain destinations allows me to fully enjoy the beauty along the way. Being lost, however, is a terrible feeling—the surroundings may be beautiful, but the anxiety of survival can overshadow it all. Conversion guides us along the path where truth and light can be truly appreciated.

In Mosiah 27:25, the Lord says, “Marvel not that all mankind…must be born again.” The years have a way of wearing at our faith, each trial hitting like relentless waves. Yet the Lord knows this and gently calls us to be converted, to dwell with Him through the pounding surf and storms. Conversion is a process—using the circumstances of life to turn to Him again and again, not only for understanding, but for protection, strength, and guidance.

BE A WITNESS

Alma 5:14 asks, “Have ye received His image in your countenances?” Children naturally reflect that image. They carry a purity and light that is glorious to be in the presence of. Their emotions may be overwhelming at times, they may argue or stumble—but they recover quickly, forgive readily, and act with kindness. They dream big, hope for miracles, and find joy and wonder in the simplest things. Their very presence radiates the light of Christ, reminding us to reconnect with our inner child—the person we were before life’s challenges weighed heavily on us. To be a witness is to nurture and reflect that light, showing others the joy, hope, and faith that reside in the pure heart of a child.

Being a witness of Christ is most powerful when it flows through our actions. Small, simple acts can touch hearts in a unique way. When we truly know someone and seek to understand them, we can offer those thoughtful kindnesses that remind them of Him—the source from which all love flows.

Reclaiming childlike faith isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges—it’s about meeting them with humility, walking in conversion, and letting our actions witness of Christ. When we return to the simplicity and trust of a child, we open ourselves to His guidance, protection, and joy. Through humble hearts, faithful living, and acts of love, we can dwell once again in the light of the Savior and help others see it too.