Jesus Only: Part OneSample

Week 2, Day 6 - Friday  

Belonging to a New Family

There is an invitation throughout the entire Bible, a thread that runs from Genesis to Revelations: God inviting us to be part of His family! 

In today’s passage, Paul proclaims that we can “share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Col. 1:13) Inheritances are for family members. God adopts us as His children for the purpose of sharing in and enjoying His goodness (relationship with Him). 

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)

Being a part of God's family means more than just joining a group, it also means becoming like Him. Thankfully, God does everything from start to finish to make this happen. We are made in His image to be like Him and represent His goodness and purpose. Through Jesus, He calls us, rescues us, and brings us into His kingdom.  He redeems us to become like Him.

Yet, sometimes when we think about following God, we get caught up in the doing for God. We may think of God as a taskmaster that has us "on assignment." We "should be" going to church, reading scripture, participating in a small group, helping make disciples. The list becomes a daunting. And while all these things are important, first and foremost, God’s heart for us is who we are becoming. The doing follows the being, not the other way around!

We are His children, and we take on His characteristics. This is our true identity. We were made to share in His inheritance and His family forever.  

Reflection Questions  

What is my response to God’s desire to bring me into His family and make me like Him?

How does being God’s child and being a part of His family shed light on how I think about myself today?

How do I see God moving in me to BE more like Him?

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for bringing me into YOUR family! What love and mercy You have for me. Make me more like You. May I live in Your light as You call me to Yourself each day! In Jesus' name, Amen.