Dear Church of the Open Bible,
There have been a handful of times over the years when someone has come up to me and said, “Well, I did what you told us to do. I did what you challenged us to do in your sermon.” That almost always catches me off guard. I know it shouldn’t, but it does. Just because someone tells me, doesn’t mean others aren’t following through, but I’m still surprised when someone actually follows through with our sermon application.
Last Sunday, our application from Jonah 2 was to write out a prayer. Our prayers reflect our relationship with God, so at times, it’s good to take a look at that relationship. When I wrote out my prayer Sunday night, I was struck by how easily my relationship with God can become based on my performance. I can tend to view myself more as one of God’s employees and less as one of His children. And when that happens, how I relate to Him changes. My requests are for results. My thankfulness is robotic. And my confession is Canadian, “I’m sorry.” But that’s not the relationship purchased for me by Jesus.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, - Romans 8:15-16
Do you see yourself, first and foremost, as one of God’s children, based solely on what Jesus has done for you? What we do does not come before who we are. Relationship precedes responsibility. Rest in and celebrate God’s grace today in adopting you as a son or daughter. Then go live it out!