They say you can choose your friends, but not your family. They were issued to you and that’s that. I wonder if that’s true for the in-laws as well, but let’s not talk about that for the time being – I might be on shaky ground there.

A family normally has some benefits in which all the members of that family share. Unfortunately, not everybody has such positive experience of family, and because of some scheming behind the scenes not all share equally.

However, when we become part of God’s family that doesn’t happen. Some don’t enjoy the benefits while others get the worst of it. No, we’re all heirs of God. We all receive the same. 6The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I’ve been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.

The first great and most wonderful news is that if you believe in God, you automatically become part of his family. In other words: What is the key to becoming a member of God’s family? Just believe in God. How can I share in the benefits that God’s family enjoys? Just believe in God. As easy as that.

Then the big promise: All that God promises his children will now be yours as well. Wow! Do you realise what an enormous privilege it is to be a child of God? Do you really see all the perks that you will enjoy simply because you believe in God? Whether you’re Jewish or Muslim, you are treated in the same way. There are no different kinds of people before God. God sees one label only: Children of God. And they all receive the same benefits.

Then you look at the world and it’s so sad to see that the children of God don’t live as if they have the best. You can’t see their inheritance. They live as poor, sorry people with no real right to life. They live a life of apologising for being alive. And this is so far from the truth. God doesn’t look like that. God’s family doesn’t look like that.

When the sons of the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles ride in the royal coaches along the streets of England, people along the road can see that they are members of the royal family. They look like royalty. They act like royalty (well, OK, most of the time …) and everybody knows where they come from and where they fit in.

We must live like God’s family. We must live with our heads held high, even if we’re struggling. We must live with the knowledge that we are Jesus’ brothers and sisters and that what He inherits, we will inherit. We must know where we’re going and live it. We live and hold onto the promises that God gave to Jesus and know that they are true for us as well.

It doesn’t matter how steep the road ahead of you is today. It doesn’t matter how bad your finances and relationships are. It doesn’t matter if you feel as if your whole life is falling apart, you can still live like royalty, like Jesus’ family, and know that God’s promises are for you as well, and that He really takes care of his family.

Live like a member of God’s royal family.

Scripture:

Ephesians 3:1-13

Reflection

Do you believe in God?

Do you believe that you are part of God’s family?

Can others see it?

Prayer

Father, thank you for making me part of your family. Thank you that Jesus is my brother. Thank you for making your promises come true for me as well. Please help me to act like royalty and to know that You will always take care of me. Amen