In the bustling chaos of everyday life, it's easy for Christians to lose sight of their true purpose. Yet, Romans 8 and Colossians 3 provide profound insights into what it means to live as sons and daughters of God, with a focus on heavenly rewards. This isn't just about empty rhetoric or religious rituals—it's about a genuine, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.
Romans 8 reminds us that we are no longer slaves to our sinful nature but heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. This means embracing our identity as children of God and living in the freedom that comes from being redeemed by His grace. It's about letting go of the old self and embracing the new life found in Christ.
Colossians 3 further illuminates this idea by urging believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things. This isn't about escaping reality or ignoring our responsibilities, but about prioritizing the eternal over the temporal. It's about aligning our values, priorities, and desires with God's kingdom agenda.
Romans 8:19 KJV “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God."
So, what does it look like to manifest as sons and daughters of God and focus on heavenly rewards in our daily lives?
Renewing the Mind: It starts with renewing our minds daily through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. This allows us to align our thoughts with God's truth and perspective.
Romans 12:2: "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Living in Holiness: We are called to live holy lives, not out of legalistic obligation, but as a response to God's love and grace. This involves obedience to His commands, pursuing righteousness, and fleeing from sin.
Romans 6:22:
"But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life."
Colossians 3:1-2:
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth."
Hebrews 12:14:
"Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord."
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8:
"God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you."
Practicing Love and Compassion: Jesus emphasized the importance of loving God and loving others. This means showing compassion to the marginalized, extending forgiveness to those who wrong us, and embodying Christ's love in our interactions with others.
Ephesians 4:32:
"Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
Colossians 3:12:
"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."
Stewardship and Generosity: Recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, we are called to be good stewards of our time, talents, and resources. This includes generosity towards those in need and faithful stewardship of the environment.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8: “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."
Perseverance in Trials: Life is filled with trials and tribulations, but as Christians, we can find hope and strength in Christ. Instead of being consumed by fear or despair, we can trust in God's promises and persevere through adversity.
In Revelation 3:21, Jesus says, "To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne." This verse emphasizes the reward promised to those who overcome, granting them the privilege of sharing in Christ's eternal reign.
Living out our faith in this way requires intentionality, discipline, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It's not always easy, and we will undoubtedly stumble along the way, but the journey of faith is one of growth and transformation.
Let's break free from the shackles of hypocrisy and embrace the call to live holy lives that glorify God. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, as we seek to manifest as sons and daughters of God and focus on heavenly rewards in all that we do.