Today’s Encouragement is, “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26 NLT
Children of God –
We have a clearly defined relationship with God. He is Father; we are His children.
Like all relationships, this one is reciprocal but far from equal! Each of us has a role, responsibility, and part to play in it.
The Bible describes this relationship in several similar ways –
He is Father; we are children.
He is Shepherd; we are sheep.
He is Teacher; we are disciples.
He is God; (we are not!) we are His own possession, His people.
Consider these verbs describing God’s actions and ours. Notice the distinction.
God creates, draws, calls, delivers, answers, redeems, gives, leads, and saves.
We ask, believe, trust, persist, resist, surrender, accept, obey, listen, follow, learn and grow.
See the difference? He’s in charge! We ain’t! But also, He is always inviting us to respond to Him. He invites us; we accept. He leads; we follow. He gives; we receive.
He initiates much of the time, but not always…We ask, He responds. We call, He answers. We obey, He rewards.
This is the give and take, the reciprocity of relationship. It’s clearly described implicitly throughout the Bible but not spelled out explicitly. Yet it’s undeniable when discovered…
It’s important to remember that our actions do not save us. Only the acceptance of Jesus as Lord can save us, and that action is dependent on us!
But we become spiritually mature believers when we do our part in this relationship.
Father, we thank You for helping us understand our role in our relationship with You. Help us to do our part well, knowing that You always do Your part – Perfectly!
Child of God
Kathryn Scott
Today’s Encouragement 