God’s Children

Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children. See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! 1 John 2:29–3:1

“FOR HE CALLS US HIS CHILDREN.” What a beautiful picture. God points to us and says, “They’re mine. Those are my kids.” This is astonishing love and grace, since we are well aware of the disparity of conduct between Christ, who is perfectly righteous, and us, who are not.

But those who are truly God’s children are not altogether unrighteous. Sin is the exception, not the rule, in their lives. “Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them” (1 John 3:9). In other words, our orientation and aim have changed. While we still have sinful patterns —some that will plague us for life and others that we will finally conquer or control —new habits of holiness are our prevailing lifestyle. Real and radical change has happened and continues to happen inwardly and outwardly.

Our Father is not up in heaven amused or frustrated by our efforts to live in a way that pleases him. Like the father who cherishes the pencil holder made by his child at school, or the mom who enjoys the burned toast prepared by her child on Mother’s Day, God is pleased at our attempts at obedience, even when we miss the mark. We are his children, and he loves us unconditionally.

We have the opportunity to mirror the way we are loved by our heavenly Father as we love, affirm, and encourage our children’s efforts toward holy living. Our smile on their lives serves as a dim, yet still meaningful, reflection of his smile.

Lord, ________ is your child. Help ________ make a decisive break with the big sins that have no place in the life of a member of your family. And help ________ root out the small sins —the bits of worldliness, compromise, inconsistency, and indiscretion that take away from your reflection.