Our identity as children of God calls us to live a life that reflects His holiness. Jesus made it clear that holding onto anything that causes us to stumble spiritually can jeopardize our relationship with Him. Sin may seem subtle at first, but its influence grows, pulling us further from God’s embrace. Protecting our sonship means actively distancing ourselves from what tempts us to sin, keeping our hearts aligned with God’s purpose.
Today’s Scripture
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea… And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched.”
– Mark 9:42-43 (NKJV)
1. Identifying Sinful Influences That Threaten Sonship
Jesus’ words in Mark 9:42-48 remind us of the seriousness of sin and the lengths we should go to avoid it. Anything that draws us away from God’s love and truth is a threat to our sonship. Sin often starts small, a compromise here or a temptation there, but over time it leads us away from God’s path.
Identifying the influences in our lives that encourage sin is the first step in protecting our relationship with God. Are there habits, environments, or relationships that cloud our vision of God’s will? By recognizing and distancing ourselves from these influences, we safeguard our sonship, choosing to walk in purity and righteousness as God’s beloved children.
2. Taking Bold Steps to Avoid Temptation
Jesus’ instruction to “cut off” what causes us to sin is not about physical action but about taking drastic steps to eliminate anything that pulls us from Him. This might mean reevaluating certain relationships, limiting our exposure to certain forms of entertainment, or choosing different environments that nurture our faith rather than weaken it.
This process requires courage and determination. It’s not easy to let go of things or people that may be dear to us but compromise our spiritual health. Yet, taking these steps strengthens our sonship and deepens our commitment to living as God’s children. By creating boundaries that protect our faith, we build a life that honors God and nurtures our true identity in Him.
3. Embracing a Life of Purity and Integrity
Purity and integrity are the hallmarks of a true child of God. Choosing to live in a way that honors our sonship involves more than just avoiding sin; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that reflects God’s heart. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is “true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.” By filling our minds and hearts with these things, we leave little room for sin to take root.
As we commit to purity, we experience the peace and joy that come from living in harmony with God. Our actions and choices are a reflection of our relationship with Him. By letting go of sin and embracing integrity, we protect our sonship, ensuring that our lives shine as a testament to God’s transforming love.
Conclusion
Our sonship is a precious relationship, and maintaining it requires us to be vigilant about the influences in our lives. Jesus’ words remind us that anything causing us to stumble is not worth holding onto. Let us be diligent in identifying and cutting off anything that could lead us away from God, choosing instead a life of purity and integrity that honors our identity as His children.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of being Your child. Give us the wisdom and strength to turn away from anything that draws us from You. Help us to live with purity and integrity, that our lives may reflect Your love and holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
