How can you live daily as a "child of God" in today's world? The Father’s Lavish Love “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God—and that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” (1 John 3:1) God’s declaration is present-tense and permanent. He does not merely call you a child; He makes you one. Let that certainty shape everything that follows. Resting in Your New Identity - Start every day by recalling whose you are. Whisper, “I am God’s child because of Christ” (John 1:12). - Reject false labels—guilt, shame, failure—and replace them with God’s verdict: accepted (Ephesians 1:6). - When doubts surface, answer them with Scripture (Romans 8:16). The Spirit testifies, not your emotions. Walking in Purity and Obedience - Children resemble their Father. “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) - Choose holiness in daily decisions: entertainment, speech, relationships (1 Peter 1:15-16). - Obedience flows from love, not fear (John 14:15). Cultivating Family Traits Let the Spirit grow His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23): • Love—seek another’s highest good. • Joy—anchor in Christ, not circumstances. • Peace—rest in the Father’s sovereignty. • Patience—mirror His long-suffering with you. • Kindness & Goodness—serve generously. • Faithfulness—keep commitments. • Gentleness—strength under control. • Self-control—say “no” because you have a bigger “yes.” Guarding Against the World’s Pull - The same verse notes, “The world does not know us.” Expect misunderstanding. - Refuse love for the world’s system (1 John 2:15-17). - Renew your mind daily with truth (Romans 12:2). Confident Access to the Father - Approach Him boldly: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” (Hebrews 4:16) - Bring every concern, need, and praise. Children run to their Father, not away. Extending Family Love to Others - “Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God.” (1 John 4:7) - Practical expressions: • Listen before speaking. • Forgive quickly (Ephesians 4:32). • Share resources with brothers and sisters in need (1 John 3:17). Living with Hope-Filled Expectation - “We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him.” (1 John 3:2) - Let future certainty fuel present faithfulness. Temporary trials cannot erase eternal adoption (Romans 8:18). Staying Connected to Your Father’s Voice - Abide in Christ (John 15:5) through consistent Scripture intake. - Let His Word guide choices (Psalm 119:105). - Engage in corporate worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). Daily Snapshot for a Child of God 1. Remember: I am loved, adopted, secure. 2. Reflect: Ask, “How can I show the family resemblance today?” 3. Resist: Turn from temptation by turning to the Father. 4. Relate: Demonstrate sacrificial love to at least one person. 5. Rejoice: End the day thanking the Father who calls you His child—now and forever. |
    |