When I was young, my father had a credit account at a
local clothing store. Although credit cards were around at that
time, many small stores continued to have personal accounts for their loyal
customers. As a high school freshman, my father added me to the list of
those approved to charge on His account. I remember calling him because I
had found the perfect sweater on sale. The store owner knew me as Phil’s
daughter and agreed to accept my father’s consent over the phone. In just
a few moments, I was signing a charge ticket, as the clerk bagged my new
sweater. The store owner wrote my name in his register under my dad’s
account. I was now able to come to the store and charge at will.
We have a similar spiritual authority. Jesus said, “Until
now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy
may be full.” (John 16:24 ESV) Our Heavenly Father wants us to
have all the benefits the death of Jesus has paid for. We are God’s children,
and He wants us to receive what is ours as members of His family. When we
are born again, our names are written in His book. (Concerning who would enter the new Jerusalem) the
Apostle John wrote, “only
those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27
ESV) This privilege is not limited to the new heaven and the new
earth. Because of this family standing, we have been given great
authority. “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on
serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy,
and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in
this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are
written in heaven.” (Luke 10:19-20 ESV) We should be joyful, not
for the authority, but for our place in God’s family. But we are to use that
authority, wisely.
No sooner had I signed that credit slip, a friend of mine
encouraged me to get a pair of jeans that I had also liked. I now had the
ability to do so. But, even then, I realized that this new ability could
not be used indiscriminately. I was accountable to my father. To
misuse this right would cause me to lose the privilege. Far worse than
that, I would lose the respect I had been given that day. I used that privilege
wisely throughout my high school and college years. I sought permission
and acceptable amounts before using the account. From that day on, I
asked and received from my earthly father.
The apostle Paul encourages believers, “I therefore,
the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a
life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have
been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service,” (Ephesians
4:1 AMP) We are to use the authority Lord has given us in a way that
brings honor to Him. We are part of His family. We represent God in all
we do, because we bear His name. Just as I was known as Phil’s daughter,
I am also known as God’s daughter.
Many years have passed since that day at the Leader
Store. I do not remember the sweater I bought. I can no longer
recall the face of the store owner who was so kind to me. But to this
day, I still remember how I felt to be respected because I was Phil’s
daughter. In a single moment, I felt the freedom of being able to get
something I wanted, as well as the responsibility of only using that freedom in
a manner my father would approve of. I guarded that responsibility,
as I also attempt to guard the responsibility given to me by the Lord.
Know who you belong to and experience the benefits of
being in God’s family. Walk wisely in the authority he has given
you. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain
to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to
his own glory and excellence,” (2 Peter 1:3 ESV) Be
responsible in all things. Enjoy life!
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