For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. —Romans 8:15-1
What best motivates a child to want to be like his parents? Is it affirmation and respect, or fear of rejection and guilt? The same principle is true in the spiritual realm. Using wrong motivations to encourage believers to pursue intimacy with Christ—manipulation, fear, or guilt—may seem to obtain quick results, but those results do not last. Even spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and Bible study, which are vital, can often result in legalism, pride, insecurity, or morbid introspection if pursued with the wrong motivation. Our spirits cry for more of Him when we begin to grasp the implications of being adopted as His children.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Father, all that You are cause me to want to be more and more like You. Show me how to become more like You each day of my life.
The knowledge of God’s deep affection and of our
full acceptance as His beloved children is the best
motivation for consistent spiritual growth.
