The Family of God
I recently read an editorial where an individual was criticizing Christians. I’ll be the first to admit that we (Christians) can be our own worst enemies. The editorial stated: “Christianity is a hateful religion. Christians think that they are the only ones that God loves.” The individual writing the editorial went on to say, “I thought God loved everyone. I thought all people are God’s children.” This criticism is a common one, and it is one that does warrant discussion. First, we need to understand that God is the creator of all. As creator, God does love His creation. As God views His creation, His handiwork, He justifiably loves that which is His. However, if we only understand the love of God in the light of God being the owner and creator of all, we are tragically understating and minimizing the love of God. Being a Christian, being a child of God, is far greater than simply being a part of God’s creation. Being adopted into the family of God (which is what being a Christian is described as) is something of inestimable value and honor.
Consider the genocidal maniacs of the world (and there have been quite a few through the ages). Ponder this question with me: Is God the Father of these individuals, since He is the creator? Well, we’d have to answer "yes" to that question. Does God love them? Again, we’d have to say “yes” in the sense that God would like to see them do differently and desires better life choices on their part. God certainly wants to see them change and live up to their potential. However, when we consider the fundamental question: Does God have a Father/child relationship with them? Or, to state it differently: Does God have an intimate and close relationship with them? The answer to these questions would have to be a resounding no.
When the Bible speaks of God initiating and having a personal relationship with people, it is based on “giving and receiving." For example, John 1:12 states: ”To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (NIV) God has offered a great and special relationship. He offers the opportunity of being a “son” or “daughter” to every person. But, as great as the offer is, the receiving part of this relationship is just as essential.
Anyone can say, “God made me. I am part of his creation. I, therefore, stake claim to God’s family. I feel God owes me!” However, making such assumptions is a mistake. To feel that God owes us whatever we desire is foolishness. Such selfish and myopic thinking requires that we completely misunderstand the relationship God has offered mankind. When someone equates that being a child of God is the same as being part of God’s creation, that person is attempting to steal God’s grace. There are many people who have no desire to engage in a personal relationship with God. There are selfish people all around us who want the riches of Heaven without the God of Heaven. Hijacking the love and mercy of God for one’s personal agenda is not going to happen on God’s watch. God has been very clear in proclaiming to this world that He earnestly wants to share His love and riches. God has gone far out of His way to help us, but He has also clearly stated that we must willingly accept His help. We must submit to being His children. Submission. Yielding. Obedience. These are words and ideas that many in our world choke on.
I find it ironic that people think so highly of themselves. Yet, such selfish and foolish thinking is one of the reasons we get into so much trouble. Let me remind you that God loves you more than you could possibly imagine. Let us get past our arrogant pride and admit that we need help. We are broken. Our only hope is to allow our Heavenly Father to do for us that which we cannot do for ourselves. We have an opportunity to be “children of God." The question is whether we will follow Jesus and become children of God. Keep looking up!