In my experience, people tend to downplay (or misunderstand) what it means to be a child of God.

We often hear or say that ALL people are children of God. If it’s a status all people have, then it’s not really unique to anyone in particular.

I get what people mean in a general kind of way. After all, we are all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and trace back to common parents. Because of that, all people are due dignity, respect and love.

But those who believe in Jesus come to have a new special status. The language of the New Testament is that of adoption. We are adopted directly into God’s immediate family. As a result, we receive certain benefits. We are heirs of the promises and blessings of the eternal God!

Imagine a kind and loving Father. To whom is he going to give special, daily wisdom and direction? And to whom will he leave an inheritance? To strangers in another town, or to his own beloved children in his own home who he loves and cares for?

Yes, to those he has adopted as his very own. If you believe in Christ, that means you!

If someone was a child of Tom Hanks, Tom Brady or the Queen of England, you’d probably take special note. What about a child of the Lord God the Almighty! 

In Christ you have a new special status. Be at peace and be confident.

You are chosen. You are loved. You are royalty.

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” (John 1:12)

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Notes:

–“Your Divine D.N.A.” Today’s devotional is thematically related to my latest sermon. You can access watching or listening options here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.