When I was a young girl, I can remember having a conversation with my mom about my dad. The details are a bit foggy, but I do recall her emphasizing that my dad was well-known and respected. She said someday I would recognize how this benefited me. I don’t think I had a clue at the time, but for some reason I never forgot her words.
I feel quite certain she was telling me this so I would be on my best behavior. I never wanted to embarrass my dad. It wasn’t because he was a disciplinarian but because he was kind, and I loved him. Dad’s reputation preceded him, and others looked favorably on me because of him. Being his daughter gave me a sense of confidence. I’m sure I took this for granted. I simply didn’t know any different. As an adult, I now realize how blessed I was. My dad wasn’t perfect, but his example made it easier for me to draw parallels to my Heavenly Father. What a gift.
I’ve been thinking this week about what it really means to be a “child of the King.” I asked Jesus into my heart at a very young age. I grew up in the church. I have attended a variety of Christian events, read many Christian books, and participated in numerous Bible studies. Prayer and quiet time in God’s Word is part of my daily routine. However, I don’t always live with a sense of assuredness that I once did as a child in my earthly father’s household. Why is that? Does this ever happen to you?
I’m sure the reasons are numerous. Life is full of busyness and distractions. Without purposeful focus on the things of God, I become weak. It is so easy to lose sight of what it truly means to be in the family of God. I often need to be reminded. Maybe you do, too.
It is important for us to take time periodically to reflect on who God is. He is the creator, the beginning and the end. He is all powerful, all knowing, and ever-present. He is not like us. He can’t be evaluated by human standards. We have to go to His Word to catch a glimpse of who He is.
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Revelation 22:13
Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. Psalm 139:7-8
It boggles my mind to think that the God of the universe invites us into His family. I never want to take this for granted. While life can be hard, there are immeasurable benefits for those of us who call God “daddy” (Abba Father).
Being in God’s family means we are loved.
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. I John 3:1
Being in God’s family brings freedom.
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children, And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4: 4-7
Being in God’s family yields peace and joy.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
Being in God’s family gives us confidence.
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9
In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge. Proverbs 14:26
Sadly, not everyone will have access to all of this (and so much more). There is an adoption process. However, there is good news. God’s family is open to anyone who believes!
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26
If you have accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, embrace your lineage. Believers are members of the family of God! As a result, we can enter each day with confidence and assurance. No matter the circumstances, our Daddy (Abba Father) has us covered. Also, as Christian educators, we have a responsibility to bring glory and honor to our Father. After all, His reputation is at stake.
Never forget, you are a CHILD OF THE KING! Praise His Holy name!
Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalm 103:2-5
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