Sons (and Daughters) of God

SCRIPTURE
Galatians 3:26-29 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


OBSERVATION
Paul is explaining to the Galatians that they are free in Christ, based on faith, not on works or obedience to the law. He is telling them (and us) that all Christians, regardless of nationality, sex, or station in life, are equal heirs to the kingdom of God because of what Christ did and our belief in that fundamental. We cannot earn our freedom; it is a gift.


APPLICATION
Paul's message to the Galatians here was a reminder to those who were turning back to the law and away from the faith-based gospel they first received.

As I read it, I gleaned something else. I identified with the equality he describes for ALL Christians. It does not matter who we are, where we live, what we have . . . we are all equal inheritors of God's kingdom because of Jesus. I am to remind myself that 'the church' is every one of us who believes in Christ as our Redeemer. We may differ on many other things in life and in worship but if we share that belief, we are brothers and sisters - worthy of respect for we will share an eternity together.

PRAYER
Lord, let me look upon all of Christ's believers as equals. Even if I disagree with details of their lives or practices, they are Your church, of which I am a small part. Give me Your eyes to look upon Christians and non-Christians alike. I want to see the world as You see it. Amen.