Friday, May 13, 2016

A Child of God

When we are young, we learn a whole lot of things, but we seldom fully understand them until we are older. A child (infant) is a begotten one. He did not create himself. He is totally incapable of taking care of himself. He is a learner. He follows the example of those leading him.

Jesus taught that there are only two kinds of children. One is either a child of Satan or a child of God. What does it mean to be a child of God? According to John 1:13, he is one begotten or born of God. He is one who loves the Father with all his heart (Matthew 23:37), and meditates on His word day and night (Psalm 1:2). Applying that criteria to our lives, how many of us are sound, healthy children of God?

There are a lot of physical ailments no one can cure, but there isn't a single spiritual ailment that cannot be fully and forever cured by Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Mark 2:17). Hebrews 5:7 says, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

Children imitate their father, and so do God's children. Ephesians 5:1 says, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 says, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'”

We need to make sure that we study and make application of the Scriptures so that we can be God's holy people even as God is holy.