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Vol. 11 No. 4 April 2009 |
Page 4 |
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Vol. 11 No. 4 April 2009 |
Page 4 |
What Makes Up Your Spiritual DNA?
Tim Childs
Who are you? Who is your father? Of what spirit are you?
Our physical identity is considered so important in our modern world, and DNA is an amazing tool used by the scientific community to aid in the identification process. When questions arise about who is the father of a child, a determination can often be made apart from “the wisdom of Solomon.”
Just as every one of us have a material/physical identity, so we additionally have a spiritual identity that holds even greater significance for us all. Have you taken time to consider how one’s spiritual identity has far-reaching consequences beyond one’s physical identity?
Some may try to conceal their spiritual identity from their fellowman while they work in avenues that are detrimental to the kingdom of heaven. Such is the case with those Jesus aptly described as being ravening wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). Let’s recognize the following pertaining to spiritual identity.
Our Actions Are Inseparably Linked to Identity
Jesus taught the Jews of His day their identity was not truly linked to Abraham (as they were quick to affirm) because their works had no association with the works of Abraham. Their works were quite dissimilar. Jesus went on to say, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth…” (John 8:44). Does our daily behavior manifest in a clear and convincing way that God is our Father?
Our Words Are Inseparably Linked to Identity
The words of our Lord well establish the point as He addressed some of His contemporaries: “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35). What is the effect of our words on our fellows; do we bless or curse others’ lives?
Our Spirit Is Inseparably Linked to Identity
The apostle John writes in his epistle how God’s seed is in His children and the impact that has in their lives. There is spiritual DNA that links us to our Heavenly Father. Some components are the following: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, virtue, knowledge, patience, godliness and kindness (cf. Galatians 5:22; 2 Peter 1:5-7). Friend, there is absolutely no mistaking the presence and power of God in the lives of His children. Who is your father? Have you heard that God wants to adopt you and make you his very own? Receive His Word into your heart, act upon it by faith and become an heir along with the King of kings.
[Editor’s Note: The apostle Paul identified the source of faith: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Based on that source of faith, Jesus Christ gave the only plan of salvation that will carry any favorable weight as one stands before the Judgment Bar of God: “He who believes [has faith that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, John 8:24] and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16).]