Scripture
“What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.' Therefore, 'Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.' And, 'I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.' ” (2 Corinthians 6:16-18)
Observation
Growing up, I thought my dad was the coolest. He worked as an audio engineer and cameraman at a local TV station, and to me, he was the smartest guy I knew. He seemed to know everybody, told the funniest jokes, and had the biggest heart. Through His sacrifices, I knew without a doubt that I was loved, and through his example, I learned how to be a man of God. I was proud to be called “Jerome’s son” and would beam with joy whenever someone told me I was like my dad.
Like 5-year-old Donovan, what if we looked up to God as our father? After all, Paul writes that God has said He is our father and we are His children. Like a Father, God loves us unconditionally. He is ever present and active in our lives. He teaches us character, value, and virtue. He provides for us all we need and calls us His own. God is our Father, and He has set us apart as His children.
Application
Through your words, your actions, and the way you live, would others be able to tell that you are a child of God? Today, choose to live in a way that others around you would be able to know that God is your father. Speak words of love instead of spite. Work with a spirit of excellence instead of doing the bare minimum. Go out of your way to brighten someone’s day instead of staying quiet. Like 5-year-old Donovan, aim to be called “God’s child.”
And by the way, I still think my dad is the coolest.
Prayer
God,
You are my Father. Thank You for not only calling me Your child, but for being actively present in my life––providing for me, caring for me, and loving me as a Father would. What an honor it is to bear Your name. When I forget, remind me that I am Yours. When there is an opportunity, give me the boldness to be Your hands and feet. Help me to treat others like You would so they may realize that they too are Your children. I love You with all my heart.
In Your name I pray,
Amen
