This post is Day 22 in a series of studies about “Children of God”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Children of God – Day 22

Many people in church understand being a servant, but not being a son. So many work for the Lord, go to the mission field, clean the church, attend meetings, do good works. All out of their servant heart. But some are trying to impress God, work their way to Heaven.

Luke 15:21

The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

The Thought

The younger son of the two in this story had gone far away from his father and older brother. When he came to his senses he returned home with a penitent attitude, he felt that he had ruined his life, was no longer lovable and that he should be taken back only as a servant.

Many people in the church understand being a servant, but not being a son. So many work for the Lord, go to the mission field for Him, clean the church, attend the meetings, do good works. All out of their servant heart. But some, by no means all, in the depths of their heart are trying to impress God (and maybe others) and work their way to Heaven.

All the Lord asks of us is our love. First we are to love Him, then we are to love our neighbours, in the same way that we love ourselves (Mark 12:30)!!

Jesus had hard words for those who had served without love. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles.” … “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21-23).

Action

Pray that those words will not be said to you or to any in your family and friends. Pray for those you know who fit into the category of “servant sons”, for them to realise the relationship that is available to them as legitimate sons of God.

Praise God that He doesn’t ask us to be servants, that we cannot work our way to Heaven. Praise Him for the free gift of eternal life.

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