Living as Children of God

August 15, 2009
Larry R Evans

Reflective Introduction

So much of what we do is a reflection of who or what we think we are. Teachers, coaches and employers who “dumb down” their students, players or employees often turn out to be prophets because of their own attitudes towards those under their guidance. As it turns out, the lack of meaningful productivity is not just a problem of the students, players or even employees. Together we find ourselves in a vicious cycle once described by John Powell in Why Am I Afraid to Love, when he said, “We are each of us the product of those who have loved us or who have refused to love us.” Much of Robert Schuller’s ministry and success has been built around his understanding of “self-esteem,” which he defined as, “. . . the hunger for the divine dignity that God intended to be our emotional birthright as children created in his image.” (Robert H. Schuller in Self-Esteem, The New Revolution, p.15) That “divine dignity” is found within an understanding of being a child of God. Schuller commissioned the Gallup organization to conduct a poll on the self-esteem of the American public. The findings were amazing. Those with a strong sense of self-esteem as defined above demonstrated the following qualities:

1. “They have high moral and ethical sensitivity.

2. They have a strong sense of family.

3. They are far more successful in interpersonal relationships.

4. Their perspective of success is viewed in terms of interpersonal relationships, not in crass materialistic terms.

5. They’re far more productive on the job.

6. They are far lower incidents of chemical addictions. (In view of the fact that current research studies show that 80 percent of all suicides are related to alcohol and drug addiction, this becomes terribly significant.)

7. They are more likely to get involved in social and political activities in their community.

8. They are far more generous to charitable institutions and give far more generously to relief causes.” (Ibid., p.17)

This week’s lesson is all about being “Children of God.” To be a child of God means we think of ourselves, of God and of everyone within our sphere of influence differently. Grasping the character of God has a way of doing that. Some have tried to begin this journey backwards. Starting this journey at the end and trying to move to the beginning is difficult. It lacks perspective and often longevity. In God’s plan, love precedes behavioral expectations. This does not minimize behavioral change but in fact lays a better foundation for a true radical life of constant transformation. Even with the oft quoted passage found in John 3:16 we discover God’s love for us before finding expectations for us to believe in Him. God’s love always precedes His asking for a response from us. Sin, then, becomes not only the transgression of the law but a violation of God’s plan of restoration—a recreation into His image. Worship, Sabbath worship and all worship, flows from gratitude to God not only for what He has “done” but for the possibilities He sees in us. We were created in God’s image and ever since sin entered God has been trying to restore that image. We are the “Children of God” and the possibilities . . . well . . . they are out of this world!

Reflective Quiz

1. We become “children of God” at the time when Jesus escorts us into the New Jerusalem. [Jn. 1:12; Rev. 21:1-5] True or False?

2. It is too much to hope for to be like Jesus now. [Jn. 3:2; Gn. 3:5; Ezek. 28:2] True or False?

3. The world would be worse off if the powers of Christ (for example, healing) were given to all if there weren’t any prerequisites required. [Ezek. 28:2; Phil. 2:7] True or False?

4. Legalism is teaching that sin is the transgression of the law. [1Jn. 3:4; Ex. 20:1-17; 2 Thess. 2:3] True or False?

5. For by grace we are saved but by works we remain saved. [Eph. 2:8-10; 1Jn. 5:13-21] True or False?

6. Christ came “to destroy the devil’s work” (1Jn.3:8), therefore, Christians should destroy whatever resembles sin. [Mt. 26:47-56; 1Jn. 4:4-12] True or False?

7. Not only did Jesus not sin, there was no sin in Him. [1Jn. 3:5; Heb. 4:15; 2Cor. 5:21] True or False?

8. While it may be true that all are sinners there is no excuse to sin. [1Jn. 1:8,9; 3:9,10] True or False?

9. We should not practice sin but an occasional indulgence in sin is understandable. [Rom. 13:14; Phil. 2:5; 1Jn. 5:1-5] True or False?

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