Galatians 3:26

"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."

I'm a Christian. I'm also a son of God. The two are inseparable, they're mutually inclusive, but I sometimes don't think of them as so. What's the difference? On a purest level there's none. But on a cultural level there's a lot, and it's significant. And as much as I want to divorce myself from my culture (but only to the extent it leads me away from God), I cannot completely isolate my culture's influence upon my paradigms and how I view the world and even my faith. My culture tells me that Christianity is a religion, but my God tells me it's a relationship. It's not just any relationship mind you, it's a relationship between a Father and a son. That's a strong bond, and that's a powerful influence.

As a son of God I am not bound by the religious code of ethics (the "Law") to determine my destiny. This is exactly what Paul was arguing against here in this portion of his letter to the church at Galatia. As a son of God those requirements were obliterated, and I am loved and accepted purely on the basis of familial connections. Nothing I have done, do or will do can change that. Once a son always a son.

As a son of God I now share in all He has to offer. He withholds nothing from me. Aside from all of the gifts and benefits He affords me, I stand in the powerful protection of a father over his son. That is perhaps the greatest thing He offers and the securest place a child could rest. Many things come into my pathway throughout any given day, and I'm sure that today shall be no different, that cause my security to come into question. My sin, my fragile relationships with others, my financial unrest, and my physical health. But none of these things, or any others for that matter, can change my status with Him. This is true love; the kind of love that's unconditional. It's the kind of love I have for my own children and the kind of love my father (and mother) have for me. I may do many things that displease, and shame on me when I do those under the pretense that I'm secure, but I'm always loved and always a son. Knowing that my place in His family cannot be shaken should now cause me to live not under pretense but under the influence of love, love for Him. My desire to please and obey is, and should always be driven by love, a reciprocal exchange that was first initiated by Him. (cf. I John 4:19) I want to follow in His footsteps, just like I looked up to my own earthly father as a young child and wanted to follow in his.

'God, I thank You for my faith in Jesus, and I pray that my obedience today will please You as a sacrifice of love. I'm secure in You, and nothing can harm me to the point of separating me from my eternal standing in Christ. I'm in a good place.'