Child of God

At 32 weeks pregnant, for some reason, my mind has been occupied by thoughts of my coming daughter. It's gotten me thinking about my status as a daughter of God, He really sees me as a child the way I see my daughter? She's completely helpless. She can do nothing for herself, but I still love her and want to serve her with my whole being. Our standing with God is even more amazing because we are adopted into his family. That means he chose to accept us, even though we don't naturally deserve it.

In Luke 18:18 the rich young ruler approaches Jesus and asks,

"Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Luke 18:18 NIV

Notice the key phrase: "what must I do..."

He's missing the point, though. We can't do anything to become God's children, we must be members of his family. When we believe in Christ, we are filled with the Spirit, and we become God's children. Out of that status as God's children, we then leave our old life and do good as the Spirit works to change us.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Romans 8:14-15 NIV

We are not slaves, that we should work our way to the kingdom of God. Instead, we are adopted and we get to call God our Father! What's more, we don't have to prove that we're children of God.

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:16-17 NIV

It's all about being filled with the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit fills our hearts, we begin to live radically different lives.

• The Spirit prompts us to receive Christ as our savior

• The Spirit fills us and remains there - all Christians have the Holy Spirit

• The Spirit testifies that we are Children of God

• The Spirit sanctifies us to make us more like Christ

Indeed, we will suffer in this life, but that promise of suffering is followed by a much greater promise, we will also share in His glory for all eternity. It all comes back to one of my favorite verses,

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

2 Cor. 4:17 NIV

Eternity with God awaits all of us as believers. Remember your status as a Child of God today and stop working for heaven. Instead, work out your love for the one who loves you and called you to be a part of his family forever.

Lord, thank you so much for adopting me into your family. I'm so honored to be one of your children, and I want to reflect your love on those around me today. Forgive me for trying to earn your favor. I ask that you continue to work in my heart to change my desires. I want to serve you out of love and gratitude for all you have done.

Amen