Who are you?

That question was proclaimed widely by an English band a few years ago. The question in and of itself is a good question and should make us stop and think.

In the broadest sense, we are either a child of God or a child of the devil. If a child of the devil, a discussion about that may come at a later time. For now, let’s talk about the state of being a child of God.

There are two mentalities possible for a child of God: the first is a slave or orphan mindset; the second is realizing that, as a child of God, I am an heir to God’s kingdom.

The second mindset is outlined by the apostle Paul in his New Testament epistle to the Romans, chapter 8, verses 14-17a: “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”

It is sad to say the orphan or slave mindset prevails in the community of God’s children (i.e., Christians). This slave mindset is rooted in fear of being displaced or plundered of who and what we are. This insecurity causes pettiness and smallness of spirit, resulting in doctrinal disagreements, turf wars, and general mayhem, which drives off all but the most earnest seeker.

The spirit of sonship comes from knowing and believing that our position in Christ is secure. If we have put our trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, our identity is settled.

As a child of God and heir, we have access to all the power, glory, and provision of our Heavenly Father. Realizing His limitless love and supply, we can truly become His channels to bless and encourage others.

If this sonship of God was being truly lived out, it would be so attractive as to draw all people to it. God really only gives us a couple things we need to do.

First, love God and your neighbor, and second, actively proclaim to others what being an heir of God and co-heir with Christ means. What could be better news to share or to hear?

Once you answer the question as to whose you are, then seek to live up to your identity. If you do determine that you are a child of the devil, God has an adoption plan that will usher you through Christ right into the family of God.