Children of God

Over the past few weeks, the world has been rapidly changing. While circumstances can change quickly, there are many realities that are not so fickle. One of the most important truths hasn’t changed, “Who We Are”. Over the next couple of weeks, we want to take some time to be reminded of who we are in Christ. 

CHILDREN OF GOD

“For through [Christ Jesus] we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” ­– Ephesians 2:18–19

Remember Your Father

I love being a father. Taking care of my kids, watching them learn and grow, playing with them, listening to them share their hearts, helping them when they need it. It really is delightful. One of my favorite parts of each day is breakfast with them. I sing (they like a mashup of Rise and Shine, Jesus Loves Me and This Is the Day That the Lord Has Made), we work on a Bible passage together (Proverbs 3:5–6 right now) and we pray. The time together is special and I look forward to it at the start of each new day.

If you have turned from your sin and trusted in Jesus to save you, you have been adopted into God’s family. You are now a son or daughter of God Almighty. As a child of the Heavenly Father, you now have access to Him at all times.

As your Father, He loves to begin each day with you (Psalm 5:3). He loves when you draw near to Him throughout the day (Hebrews 4:16). He loves to give help to those who ask for it (Isaiah 40:29). He loves to provide for His children (Matthew 6:25–34). He loves to see His children learn and grow (Romans 8:29). He loves to listen when we pour out our hearts before Him (Psalm 62:8).

As a child of God, remember who your Father is. He is God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. He is sovereign over all things. He is good. He is faithful. He loves you.
Life can be disorienting. In the midst of uncertainty, cling to simple truths. I have a Father in heaven who loves me, provides for me and will be with me no matter where I find myself.

Remember Your Brothers and Sisters

In my adoption into God’s family, I not only have a Father in heaven, I also have numerous brothers and sisters. All those who belong to God through the adoption that is found in Christ are a part of my family.

Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

This passage places an emphasis on caring for our brothers and sisters in Christ. As members of the household of God, we should place a priority on loving and caring for other Christians. Now, this may seem a bit odd. What about those who are not in Christ? Shouldn’t I prioritize caring for them so that they might come to Christ? Consider John 13:35, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

God, in His infinite wisdom, has designed life in such a way that our caring for our brothers and sisters in Christ is not only a blessing to those who receive our care, but it actually has an evangelistic impact on the watching world.

Children of God, open your hearts to one another. You are family. Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” How can your brothers and sisters bear your burdens with you if you don’t share your burdens with them? Now is the time to act like family. 

Remember Your Home

As Jesus prepared for His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, He spoke these words to His disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1–3).

This world is not our home. If we live this life trying to find heaven on earth, we will be filled with nothing but worry and disappointment. If we live like the world and desire the things of the world, we will have all the anxiety of the world.

As a child of God, these are the days of your exile. You are on your way home, but you haven’t arrived yet. Home is a place free from tears, death, mourning, crying and pain (Revelation 21:4). Home is a place of healing and abundance (Revelation 22:1–2). Home is a place where you will be restored, confirmed, strengthened and established (1 Peter 5:10). Home is a place of glory beyond all comparison (2 Corinthians 4:17). Home is where we will see God’s face (Revelation 22:4).

If you are in Christ, you are a member of God’s household. As you navigate these unique days, remember your Father, remember your brothers and sisters and remember your home.