Children Not Employees

Devotional 
There's a profound difference between working for someone and being their child. An employee earns their paycheck through performance, but a child receives their inheritance simply by being born into the family. Understanding this distinction transforms how we relate to God. When we try to earn God's approval through religious performance, we're essentially treating ourselves as His employees. We show up, do our spiritual duties, and expect to be paid with His blessing and favor. But this mindset keeps us trapped in a cycle of anxiety, always wondering if we've done enough to earn our spiritual paycheck. But God doesn't want employees - He wants children. Through faith in Christ, we become sons and daughters of the Most High God. This isn't based on our performance, our background, our gender, our race, or our social status. Whether you're young or old, rich or poor, the ground is level at the foot of the cross. As God's children, we don't work to earn our inheritance - we already have it. We don't strive to become worthy of His love - we're already beloved. We don't perform to gain access to His presence - we already dwell in the throne room with Him. This truth should radically change how you approach your relationship with God. Instead of asking, "What do I need to do to earn God's favor today?" you can ask, "How can I enjoy my Father's love and live from the security of being His child?"

Bible Verse
'So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.' - Galatians 3:26

Reflection Question
In what ways do you still relate to God more like an employee trying to earn a paycheck rather than a child enjoying an inheritance, and how might this shift in perspective change your daily spiritual life?

Quote
We are all, every one of us, sons and daughters of God through our faith. Whether you're a man, whether you're a woman, whether you're Jew, whether you're gentile, whether you're old, whether you're young, whether you're black, whether you're white.

Prayer
Father, thank You for making me Your child through faith in Jesus. Help me to stop thinking like an employee who has to earn Your love and start living like a beloved son or daughter who already has Your heart. Teach me to rest in my identity as Your child. Amen.