PRIVILEGED TO BE A CHILD OF GOD

John 1:12-13 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

There is something unmistakably powerful about identity. Who we are shapes how we live, how we think, and how we see the world. In many cultures, being the child of a prominent or influential person comes with undeniable advantages. Doors open more easily. Favour follows the name. Some even call it “the power of the surname.”

But there is a privilege far greater than any earthly lineage: the privilege of being a child of God.

John opens his Gospel by unveiling the eternal identity of Jesus Christ and the life-altering transformation that takes place when someone receives Him. He writes that to all who received Jesus, He gave authority  (the right and privilege) to become children of God. This identity is not symbolic, emotional, or ceremonial. It is real, spiritual, and eternal.

A NEW BIRTH, A NEW IDENTITY

While God creates every human being, not everyone lives as a child of God. John makes a clear distinction: becoming God’s child is not a result of human heritage, effort, or personal resolve. It does not come from bloodlines, human desire, or social status. It comes from God Himself.

To believe in Jesus is not merely to agree with a concept—it is to receive a new birth. This birth is spiritual, initiated by God, and grounded in grace. When someone receives Christ, they are welcomed into God’s family, given a new identity, and empowered to live from a place of belonging rather than striving.

This truth dismantles insecurity and restores dignity. You no longer have to prove your worth. You no longer have to earn acceptance. As a child of God, you live from acceptance, not for it.

THE PRIVILEGE OF BELONGING

Every child carries the name, nature, and inheritance of their father. In the same way, being a child of God means sharing in His love, care, and promises. It means you are seen, known, and deeply valued not because of performance, but because of a relationship.

This identity brings confidence in prayer, peace in doubt, and hope in struggle. When life feels unstable, the child of God rests in the faithfulness of a Father who never fails. When the world defines people by achievement or appearance, God defines His children by love.

And this privilege is not reserved for a select few. God’s desire has always been family. His heart is that all would come to know Him, receive His Son, and experience the joy of sonship and daughterhood.

JESUS: THE WAY INTO GOD’S FAMILY

As we reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, we are reminded that His coming changed everything. His life revealed the Father’s heart. His death removed every barrier. His resurrection opened the door for humanity to share in divine life.

Jesus did not come merely to inspire moral living; He came to restore relationships. Through Him, we are not only forgiven; we are adopted. We are brought near. We are called sons and daughters.

This is why identity matters. At His return, Jesus will gather those who belong to Him; those who have believed, received, and embraced their place in God’s family. Not because they were perfect, but because they trusted Him.

LIVING AS GOD’S CHILD

To know you are a child of God is to live differently. It shapes how you see yourself and how you treat others. You no longer live bound by shame or fear, but with gratitude and purpose. You walk knowing that your Father delights in you and empowers you to reflect His love in the world.

Precious one, Jesus loves you deeply. He desires to free you from every form of bondage and awaken you to who you truly are. If you have already received Him, rejoice: you are privileged beyond measure. And if you have not, the invitation still stands.

Jesus is the reason for the season, not only because He was born, but because through Him, we are born again.

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, Today I turn my heart fully to You. Thank You for loving me and calling me into God’s family. Help me to live daily in the fullness of my identity as a child of God. May my life reflect Your love and grace
Amen.

QUESTION FOR MEDITATION

Are you living daily from the confidence and privilege of being a child of God?

SIX KEY TAKEAWAYS

Being a child of God is a spiritual identity, not a human inheritance:
It is received through faith, not effort.

Receiving Jesus brings a new birth and a new way of living:
Identity in Christ replaces insecurity with belonging.

Not everyone who is created by God lives as a child of God:
Sonship begins with receiving and believing in Jesus.

Jesus came to restore relationships, not promote religious striving:
Through Him, we are welcomed into God’s family.

Knowing God as Father transforms how we face life’s challenges:
Children live from love, not fear.

Being a child of God is the greatest privilege anyone can receive:
It carries eternal value, purpose, and hope.