One of my favorite worship songs proclaims, “I am no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God!” How do we become a child of God? The answer is found in Galatians 3:26, “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” When we are born anew spiritually through faith in Jesus Christ, we are freed from our old childish nature, becoming childlike instead; wide-eyed and in awe of our surroundings as we see them for the first time through the perspective of the Holy Spirit. Like infants and small children, we are like a sponge as our senses soak up all of the wonder of God’s creation around us. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children”. (Luke 18:16)
God has adopted us into His family through the life, death and resurrection of His only true Son, Jesus Christ. We are brothers and sisters of Jesus and all believers. No room for sibling rivalry or dissension in this family, only love and family unity. Just as children imitate their earthly parents, we imitate our heavenly Father because we are His dear children. (Ephesians 5:1) We begin to take on a family resemblance not just in our appearance, but in the way we walk and the way we talk. Our acts of love and service reflect Jesus just as His acts of love and service reflect those of His (and our) Father.
As a child of God we have family responsibilities. Our Heavenly Father requires and expects our obedience. In Hebrews 12:8 we read, “If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.” The key to our obedience is love. Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (John 14:15) We are commanded to honor our father and mother. It is the first commandment with promise. (Ephesians 6:2) There is a much greater promise for those who love and honor their heavenly Father. Not just a long and full life, but eternal life.
One last thought. “God wants full custody of His children – not weekend visitation.”