One of my greatest pet peeves is ostentatious people who love to show off their wealth, position of power, rank or status in society. It just puts me off because not only do they want others to recognize what they are worth, but they also look down upon others. I am sure you know at least one such person in your life. Whenever I come across such showy types of people, I am reminded of the status that Jesus Christ confers on believers. The Apostle John writes,
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1: 12 NIV)
The other versions of this verse help further show the meaning of this verse. For example, some translate as “the power” (KJV), or “authority” (ISV/LEB), to become children of God. That means Christ empowers those who come to trust and obey Him. He gives us the privilege, the power, the authority, the ability, or the right to be called children of God. And with that status comes dignity, liberty, and prestige that no other status can give a child of God. Whether you admit it or not, I am sure you have had days when you felt really low and downcast. Maybe it is one of those days, today, when you are disheartened. As believers, it is easy at times to look down on our faith and not find anything uplifting in it. However, I want to remind you today of your empowerment that comes through Jesus Christ, our Lord. No matter who you are surrounded by today. No matter what your circumstances are now. No matter who is making you, through their ostentation, feel dejected and deprived; just remember who has empowered you and to what status. Also recall what this new status as a child of God carries with it. Since we are God’s children, we are also partakers of the inheritance of God. Whatever God has is actually ours to claim and to posses, as the Apostle Paul wrote:
In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will” (Ephesians 1: 11 NRSV).
“…and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1: 12 NRSV).
Therefore, let us take pride in our place, status, and inheritance in Christ Jesus which has been granted to us through His grace. Amen.
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