He walks around aimlessly, intermittently looking outside the window, unable to speak or respond, just smiling, having to be constantly redirected physically. This is a child with a severe case of autism. It is improbable to have a discussion about religious truths with this child and he will never develop that ability. Can he have a relationship with his creator?

    That observation made me think about how we make faith something so complex that it is impossible for a segment of the population to be "saved" (have a right relationship with God and be in heaven with him).  I am thinking of the practice of making lists, however long, of essential doctrines to be believed to be considered "saved". The reality is children or people with mental disabilities are not be able to completely grasp the truths in those lists. They may not be able to understand the depths of sin, therefore could not even say the sinner's prayer with sincerity. God forbid we may also become one of those whose mind prevents them from having an articulate faith. Are those lists or requirements  important to God? Is an accurate view of the trinity or the atonement proofs of salvation? If that is the case, then how will these precious creations of God going to find salvation?

      My purpose for this reflection is to have us think about what is really important to God, to put our lives in the hands of Jesus. Jesus himself is the way to eternal life. Is your life in Jesus' hands? Are you depending on him everyday to lead you into right paths and provide for your needs? Is he your hope in life and in death? Are you known as a person who puts his life in Jesus' hands? When the day comes when your mind could not think as clearly as it used to, are you so devoted to Jesus right now that the constant sounds that people hear will be songs of praise to the Savior? Its this simple faith that God requires of us and he requires for us to teach and model to our children and to our world.

     I used to be unimpressed by this simple faith I see in the elderly, especially those who have lost the ability to think clearly. I used to be unimpressed by children's faith because it was not deep enough. However, as I know the Savior more and more, the faith displayed by those whom we consider unsophisticated- in their words and in their songs, has become a source of joy. It gives me a glimpse of the day when "Every knee shall bow, every tongue shall proclaim that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the father."