Children, not slaves

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Gal 4:7 NLT

Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

To be a true worker is to know what your job requires and do it well. If you’re an employee your boss gives you feedback and might evaluate you every year. If you run a business, your customers come back or refer their friends. We are so accustomed to this life that we lose what it is to be a true child. We have to keep our eyes on Jesus.

Jesus is not pursuing some ideal of the model employee. Jesus is not straining toward a promotion, or worried about losing his position. No, Jesus isn’t consumed with doing a good job. He is a Son, not his Father’s slave. He shares this life with us.

Our Heavenly Father delights in Jesus. He delights in us! To live as his beloved child is to live in that delight. Rejoice in the joy he has in us! Be free and live without shame or shortcoming knowing he has elevated us to his level and all he has is ours. Welcome into his family many newly adopted brothers and sisters. Show them around the house. Make lots of introductions. Laugh over old stories. Fire up the grill and hold nothing back because grace never runs out for anyone.

Father, may we know ourselves as you know us: Beloved, included, with many brothers and sisters. Open our arms and our hearts to all those you love.