Living in Perspective - Guest Post

Xariah is an aspiring writer and singer. She recently graduated from HS and will be attending college in the fall. Though young, the depths of her thoughts belies her age. Read on.

"But now, LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our potter. We are the work of your hands." Isaiah 64:8

How do you approach the presence of God?  When you draw near to God as your Heavenly Father, rather than a confusing unknown or a Sunday assignment, you will find yourself fully known and embraced. You were meant for a relationship with God, a bond that is set apart and built on knowing and trusting God as your Everlasting Father.

All who believe in Jesus are called to live as
children of God. The Spirit of the Living God assures us of this calling to be God's child: "You haven't received the spirit of slaves that leads you into fear [of God's judgment] again. Instead, you have received the spirit of God's adopted children by which we call out, "Abba! Father! (Romans 8:15)" Do you cry out to God in this way? As you continue reading, ask yourself whether or not you have received the spirit of 'God's adopted children.'

I was a child once. But as the years went on, I began to emancipate myself from this label as I tried to carve out my own path. Also, I was faced with more complexities throughout my teenage years. I could no longer see the world through the eyes of a kid. To cope with these complexities, I went in all of the wrong directions: seeking the approval of other people, drug use, escapism, creative success, and so on. By the grace of God, my teenage delinquency was not the end. In Christ, God gave me a new nature; a new spirit.

In no way do I excuse my behavior or overlook my wrongdoing, but I do attribute it to being born in sin and living in a world separated from God. We have all tried to carve out our own paths and find our way in darkness. This is why we must be born again by believing in Jesus, who forgives and restores us. Jesus is the Son of God, "...the firstborn among many children (Romans 8:29)". Indeed, Jesus was and is a child of God. It is through Him that we receive the right to be called God's children. By no means am I suggesting that you should assume the literal ways of a child, for we are not God's children in a physical manner (John 1:13). Alternatively, I am calling for the spirit and meaning of childhood to be deep-rooted and abiding in your walk of faith.

Children are not just let loose into the world. They are nurtured, fed, and taught how to live. Kids often fall and hurt themselves, or their feelings get hurt. But in those tense moments, their parents help them. Just as a child needs their parents, children of God need their Heavenly Father. Even fathers or mothers need their Heavenly Father. We need God's comforting reassurance, His powerful authority, His wisdom, and the infinite love that He has for us in Christ Jesus. God is the Perfect Father; no one on earth is expected to be equal to Him.
 

Without looking to and depending on your Heavenly Father, you will not sustain yourself on this walk of faith. Trust me, I've tried. The lies of the enemy, the trials you face in the world, your family, yourself, and even day-to-day life will be too much to bear if you don't believe that, like the Good Father He is, God is right beside you, using your trials to bless you and mature your faith. He loves you so much that He calls you His own. He expects nothing from you but an open heart.

Believers in Christ - you are not just a group of people who know facts about God. You are God's children. You are born of God. You were made for walking in His ways and living in His love forever. Don't limit yourself to a shallow relationship with the Man Upstairs. Lean into the Lord. After all, He is your Father.
 

"I've written to you children because you know the Father." - 1 John 2:14

Do you know the Father? Though children, do you have a heavenly perspective? Have you grown?

Nylse is a Christian wife and a mother of four who loves life and inspiring others. She likes to have fun but is very clear on who she is and Whose she is. A prolific thinker, she blogs to encourage others from a Christian perspective at www.lifenotesencouragement.com. She can be found online on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.