At times during His ministry, Jesus used a little child as a representation of how we ought to be as the people of God. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus is recorded as saying, "...unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." There are several characteristics which a child possesses that are necessary for the Christian to imitate. Let us consider these today.

HUMILITY
Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)

And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:27-28)

But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matthew 23:11)

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)

PURITY
Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure. (1 Timothy 5:22)

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal, 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.' (2 Timothy 2:19)

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)

GROWTH
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (1 Peter 2:1-3)

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14)

OBEDIENCE
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.' (Ephesians 6:1-3)

...though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said, 'We ought to obey God rather than men.' (Acts 5:29)

And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. (2 Thessalonians 3:14)

FREE FROM MALICE
Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malace be babes, but in understanding be mature. (1 Corinthians 14:20)

'Be angry, and do not sin': do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27)

DEPENDENCE ON FATHER
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he had denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)

Give us this day our daily bread... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:11, 33)