Acel Van Ommen: You are a Child of the KingSample

IDENTITY

A father plays a very important role in his child's identity. Traditionally, when a child is born to legally married parents, he takes the father's surname. Though mothers nowadays can choose to let their children use their matrilineal surnames, most of them still choose otherwise. Apart from this, a father also determines the gender of his child through the XY chromosome of his sperm.

God did not only create us, but He adopted us as His own sons and daughters. As God's children, our identity flows through our Heavenly Father. Only God can define who we are.

Knowing one's identity is crucial in a person's life. Who we believe we are directs our actions and behavior. Kung ano ang tingin natin sa ating sarili ay nakakaapekto sa ating ugali, pagkilos at pananaw sa buhay. When we believe the negative things people say about us like being a failure or not being good enough, we tend to act hopeless. Kapag sinabihan tayo ng "Hanggang diyan ka nalang," o kaya'y "Nakakahiya 'yang ginawa mo," tayo'ynawawalan ng pag-asa na magbago at napanghihinaan ng loob na abutin ang ating mga pangarap.

But how does one become a child of God?

The Bible tells us that those who receive Jesus and believe in His Name are born again not of natural descent, but of God. What made this possible is the blood of His son Jesus that was spilled on the cross for us. His blood washed away all our sins and made us new. His divine blood of royalty covered our whole being.

God called us as his sons and daughters; He has given us a new identity in Him. When we believe this, we then start to act and think like real children of God.

At times God uncovers our identity through calling us by a different name as He reveals more of Himself to us, just as how He did to Abraham. From "Abram" God gave him the name "Abraham" which means the "father of all nations." Other examples include Jacob's name being changed to Israel and Jesus calling Simon, "Peter."

Every time God gives a person a new identity, a covenant is made, and that person's life is never the same. He starts to do mighty exploits for the Lord, and makes an impact in the world he lives in. Nothing in his past can affect his present nor his future.

How we look at ourselves affect how we live our lives.

As a child of God, let your Heavenly Father define who you really are.