The Beauty of Knowing Who You Are

Sonship - relationship of Son To Father.

As we bring this week to a close, I want you to consider the beauty of knowing who you are. The Spirit of adoption that lives inside of us continually cries out "Abba, Father." Always guiding us in relationship. Always bringing our true identity to the surface. Always leading us in triumphal procession. The more we allow this to take root in our lives, our walk with God looks different. The confidence we carry, the awe that we experience, and the joy that we live in is remarkable. It's a wonderful thing.

As I opened the Bible app on my phone this morning, I was greeted with Galatians 5:1, "It was for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." This is one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture. Today, I heard it just a little different. The Father wanted me to hear it from the perspective of a son.

You see, sons know the difference between servanthood and slavery. They know the difference between Lordship and dictatorship. It's called relationship. They know God as Father, and there is nothing that can be said or done to change that perception. They see themselves in relationship. Not outside looking in. Not wondering what it would be like to have intimacy. They recognize they have been invited to participate in the Trinitarian life. Blessed to be a part of the union.

Fear leads to bondage. Those who live in fear have not been made perfect in love. Scripture is very clear on this. We are called to live as sons because of the Spirit of adoption that dwells inside of us. It's not a spirit that pulls us back into fear. It's not a spirit that wants us to live in bondage. The Holy Spirit relates to the Father in the same way that Jesus related to Him. And we have been invited to participate.

Therefore, stand firm in your sonship. You don't have to submit to someone's misunderstandings about the nature of God. You can honor them, but you never have to surrender your privileges. You don't have to jump through their hoops, follow their traditions and rituals, or fall into their line of thinking. Honor them. Please honor them and where they are. But never forget who you are. Never lose sight of who you are becoming.

Standing firm is the work of grace in your life. You don't do this on your own. The grace of God gives you the confidence to live as a son of your Heavenly Father. You are not a hired servant. You are more than a bond-slave. John said, "Behold what manner of love we have been given that we should be called children of God." Don't underestimate your place in His heart. Enjoy the beauty of knowing who you are in Christ.

Have a wonderful weekend. Talk to you soon.