Forever A Child of God

Galations 3:26 says "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus". There are other verses just like this throughout the entire bible that talk about us being the children of God or the sons and daughters of God. The bible also refers to God, on many occasions, as "Father". Not just in reference to his relationship with Jesus, but with us as well. I read these verses but never fully understood them... until I had my own kids.

Growing up I had a pretty good relationship with my dad, but these verses didn't mean as much to me until I was on the other side of the father/kid relationship. Having a dad and being a dad are two very different things. When you're a kid you don't really get to see how kids act and behave. As a kid you don't fully understand the importance of the relationship and connection to a father or father figure. But now having children of my own, these "child of God" verses mean a lot more to me. It helps me better understand my relationship with God and how sees me, how he feels about me, and how he loves me.

However, having kids also helps me to understand how he must feel when I "misbehave". When I ignore what he's telling me to do. When I do the opposite of what I know he wants. When he has to tell me repeatedly what he wants from me. Or when I knowingly make poor decisions. Luckily for us though, he is a patient Father. A gracious Father. A long-suffering Father.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, - 1 Peter 1:3

And as our Father, God wants to teach us and guide to be good, loving people. More so than even we do as fathers and mothers. He wants the best for us and wants us to do his will, being a bright light for him. He sacrificed his son for us. He gave up more than we can imagine, for us, his sons and daughters. We look at our own children and love them enough to give up everything for them. We would die for them. This is only a fraction of the love that God feels for us. He gave us his son for salvation. He gave us the Holy Spirit to help guide us. He gave us his word to teach us. Sacrifice, guidance, and teaching... all qualities we should be copying in our own relationships with our kids.

And as his children, God also wants to share his glory with us. Romans 8:17 says: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. But this doesn't mean God wants to spoil us. We won't always get exactly what we want in the same way parents don't just give their kids everything they want all the time. That creates entitlement and unruly hearts. God doesn't want a bunch of saved brats running around ruining his name.

God is our father and we are his. He loves us unconditionally and wants to have a relationship with each and every one of us. He want to teach us using his word. He wants to comfort us when we are down. He wants to hear from us and talk with us. He wants to protect us. He wants to guide us when we are struggling to make decisions. He want to bless us and touch our hearts.

Let's get closer to our Father.