Are You a Servant or a Son?
It’s common to hear Christians say they “serve the Lord.” We’re also taught that when we become Christians, we accept Jesus not only as our Savior but also as our Lord—our Master. At the same time, we believe we are children of God. So, which is it? Are we servants, or are we sons and daughters?
Galatians 4:4-6 answers this question:
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
As Christians, it’s time to stop being double-minded. Are we God’s beloved children, or are we merely servants? Have we already received His abundant grace (Romans 5:17), or are we still striving to earn His blessings?
What kind of Father do we believe we have? Is He a good Father who delights in giving us good things? Or do we see Him as harsh and stern, wanting us to suffer “for our own good”?
We need to settle this question in our hearts once and for all. After all, how can we make a difference in the world if we aren’t sure of our relationship with the One who created us to make that difference?
Little Children of God
The Bible often refers to us as God’s “little children” (1 John 5:21; Galatians 4:19; 1 John 2:12; 1 John 3:7, 18; Matthew 18:3). Let’s be honest—little children don’t serve their parents. It’s the parents who serve their little ones.
Recently, my husband and I spent two days caring for our 20-month-old grandson, Noah. Let me tell you, not once did he bring me a glass of water, fluff my pillow, or rub my feet. But I did all those things for him!
Jesus didn’t come to Earth, die, and rise again so we could serve Him. He came to serve us:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Why This Matters
The expectations for a son or daughter are entirely different from those for a servant.
When a servant makes a mistake, they might expect something to be withheld—or worse, punishment. A daughter of a Good Father, however, can expect gentle correction, but never punishment or the withholding of blessings.
That’s what grace is all about. The pure, unadulterated gospel is completely centered on God’s grace, given to us through His Son, Jesus.
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24, NKJV)
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel—which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-7)
These verses make it clear: the gospel is grace, grace is Jesus, and the gospel is all about Him!
Your True Identity
The true gospel declares that God is not mad at you. He has given you blessings, favor, and goodness that you did not, do not, and will never deserve. You don’t have to earn His goodness—Jesus has already paid for it in full. Because of this, you are now a bona fide child of God. Accept your true position as a daughter of the King, and expect good things from your good Father!
