Do You Look Like Your Father?

1 John 3:9 “No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”

Who do you see in the mirror? Those who are born into the same family more likely than not resemble each other in some way or another. Because the family members share the same genetics there will be similarities in appearance, talents, personalities and interests. Each person, though different individuals, will be identifiable as part of their family of origin by these similar characteristics.

Those who believe in Jesus Christ as their savior have been born into the family of God. They have died to themselves and God has put His Spirit in their hearts. Their genetics have changed from the corrupted seed of the world to the holy seed of God. It is only fitting that God’s sons and daughters should look and act like He does. When a believer looks in the mirror, he should see character qualities of his heavenly Father.

I am like my mom. We have similar likes and dislikes. For one she has always been very fastidious and enjoyed a neat and clean house. I inherited that desire. My house is not always as clean as I would like it to be, but inwardly that is what I want and what I work towards. I am not happy when things are dirty or out of place.

Our heavenly Father has no sin, so those who have His Spirit living within them should not practice sin either. As imperfect humans we will still struggle with temptation and may once in a while make a mistake. But this should not be our regular habit. When we do sin we will feel uncomfortable and desire to make things right by asking forgiveness.

Some families have a musical bent. The members share a talent for playing instruments or singing. Other families are brilliant and the children excel in academics. Still others exhibit artistic prowess, enjoy building things, or display a knack for problem solving. We are not carbon copies of each other, but usually it is obvious who belongs with whom.

John, Jesus’s disciple, states that the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious. Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. God’s children will desire to do right and will also exhibit the love of God towards their brothers and sisters. They will love what God loves!

If a child does not show any resemblance to his or her parents, you’ve got to wonder if they are really part of the family. Likewise, if someone who calls himself a believer does not display the character qualities of God, then one must wonder if they are truly born of Him. If they were, God’s genetics within them would be obvious.

I think everyone who meets our family will realize we belong together. There are too many similarities among us to be mistaken. But will those who meet us recognize us as part of God’s family?

Peer into the mirror today and ask yourself, “Do I look like my Father?”

Love,

Mama