Did you know that Christians are called God's children? Did you know what this sonship means to you? What privileges (or responsibilities?) does it give us?
Someone offered me to listen to a sermon by one charismatic pastor, and the main idea of this sermon was that many Christians don't truly understand their relationships with the Heavenly Father. According to him, as soon as we realize that we are the children of the Most High, we get access to all the blessings meant for us.
My Children are With Me
I will not retell the sermon but want to show you the main idea using a parable from the gospel.
"And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs." (Luke 11:5-8).
The pastor said that many Christians act as the friend from this parable - once in a while they come to God with their requests and because of their impudence (or because of His kindness) God answers their prayers. However, if we are His children, we need to be "in bed" with Him! Constantly in the presence of God, not just lending three loaves but having at our disposal his whole fridge at any time of day or night.
To be honest, some ideas and phrases from that sermon made me alert and carefully filter every word. But I could understand that thought, though it was a little different from most sermons I've heard. The preacher showed God as our daddy, while in my understanding this is not very appropriate and I see God as Father, King, and the Holy One.
God's Understanding of Sonship
I heard different opinions on this topic before, and I didn't want to jump to any conclusions, so I did what I usually do with spiritual questions: I came before God. "How do I understand the fact of Your Fatherhood", I asked. "How bold can I be? What can I expect from our relationship? What should I call you?"
The answer came quickly and it amazed me. I realized that the sermon that I have just listened to invited me to enter my legal rights as a daughter of God and use the blessings, gifts, and privileges that I'm entitled to. But this is not how God views it. My relationship with Him is not supposed to be focused on using His resources for my own good. My life is supposed to glorify my Heavenly Father and blessings are secondary.
Here are a few verses supporting this idea:
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31)
Apparently, we are not called to eat or drink to nourish ourselves or enjoy ourselves. We are called to bring glory to God even through our everyday activities!
"whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. " (1 Pet. 4:11)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16)
Spiritual gifts and ministry talents aren't given to us for entertainment or comfort. Our testimony and ministry need to glorify God not only through us but also through those who see us.
"I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do" (John 17:4)
Jesus Himself had a mission to glorify God on earth!
"But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4)
And He did it through healings and other miracles.
How Can I Glorify My Father?
Now I live around people many of whom have never met my parents. But I've heard people saying more than once, "looking at you I can say that you have wonderful parents because they brought you up like this!" I bring glory to my father, following his teaching even when he's not there. And people around me learn about his character through my fruits - my actions. This example is very easy to transfer into our Christian lives.
If my life speaks better than words that I'm a follower of Christ, if my actions and words reflect Jesus' teaching, if people are interested in my faith through my actions, I can confidently say that my life glorifies God.
And the benefit of this value system is that our Father will gladly provide us with everything we need for our ministry including our gifts, resources, and other blessings. The secret of spiritual gifts is not that we don't have enough faith or not realizing that were are the children of God (though for some those might be stumbling stones too), but that they are given to us for ministry - for the purpose of edification, encouragement, and glorifying God!
In regard to material blessings, I don't think that we are entitled to an earthly reward for our good deeds or for being "God's favorites". However, it's hard to deny that because of His mercy and grace our Father fills our lives with blessings, fulfilling all our needs and even desires!
In conclusion, I'd like to say: we are called God’s children if we believe in Christ and live for Him, and this gives us certain rights. But our goal is not to take as much as possible from this relationship but use everything that we have already been given for the glory of God!
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