In our journey with God, there’s a profound gift we hold—our sonship, our identity as children of the Most High. This identity is not just a title; it’s a relationship that shapes who we are and how we live. However, as much as this relationship offers eternal blessings, it also comes with a responsibility. The choices we make each day reveal whether we truly value this gift of sonship or risk drifting from it.
Today’s Scripture
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.”
– Matthew 25:31-32 (NKJV)
Holding Fast to Sonship
To be called a son or daughter of God is a privilege beyond measure. Yet, Scripture warns that if we live in sin and ignore God’s ways, we step outside the blessings of sonship and face judgment. Matthew 25:31-46 paints a vivid picture of what happens when we fail to align our lives with God’s standards. Jesus describes the final judgment as a moment of separation—those who lived in obedience will inherit eternal life, while those who neglected God’s commands face eternal punishment.
In this powerful passage, Jesus calls us to live out our identity as His followers by reflecting His love and mercy, caring for others, and walking in righteousness. Without this alignment, our sonship status is in jeopardy, as we move from the path of blessing to the consequences of disobedience.
1. Living as Children of the Light
Sonship is not a passive status; it’s an active way of life. Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” As children of God, we are called to turn away from the things of darkness—sinful actions, selfish motives, and harmful behaviors. Living as children of light means letting God’s truth shape our thoughts and actions, revealing His love in every decision.
Being a child of God is a daily journey, where we make intentional choices to honor Him. It’s not about perfection but about a genuine desire to reflect His character. Are we living in a way that mirrors God’s love, or are we letting sin pull us away from our true identity?
2. The Danger of Spiritual Neglect
Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 remind us that neglecting our spiritual responsibilities has consequences. The passage challenges us to evaluate our lives: Are we caring for those in need, extending love to the marginalized, and living in righteousness? When we ignore these actions, we stray from the essence of sonship, risking the separation Jesus speaks of.
Our spiritual neglect can manifest subtly—a missed opportunity to show kindness, a habit of avoiding prayer, or overlooking time in God’s Word. Yet, these small acts of neglect add up, leading us away from the intimate relationship God desires with us. Avoiding this spiritual drift requires vigilance, prayer, and a commitment to honoring God in our choices.
3. Embracing Repentance and Returning to God
God, in His mercy, always leaves the door open for us to return to Him. When we recognize areas where we’ve drifted or allowed sin to creep in, the path back to sonship is through repentance. 1 John 1:9 reassures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Repentance restores our fellowship with God, reigniting our identity as His children. No matter how far we’ve strayed, God’s grace awaits us, inviting us to turn back and experience the fullness of His love. Embracing repentance helps us maintain our sonship and walk confidently in God’s favor.
Conclusion
Sonship is a gift, a privilege, and a calling to live with purpose and integrity in God’s family. Yet, this gift comes with responsibility—a life aligned with God’s heart and teachings. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus underscores the importance of our choices and actions in determining our eternal future. Today, let us recommit to living as true sons and daughters of God, walking in His light, and bearing the fruits of righteousness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of sonship and the privilege of being called Your children. Help us to live in a way that honors You, rejecting sin and embracing a life that reflects Your love. Guide us back to You whenever we stray, and may our lives always shine as testimonies of Your grace. Amen.
