Today's Passage:  Galatians 4

 Families are in great decay in our culture.  Just look around and you will see families without fathers and mothers or perhaps see a grandmother having to care for children.  It is a sad state of affairs in our country and one that will hopefully change.  Due to our culture, we are left with a misunderstanding of what true family is and can be.  In Galatians 4 Paul describes who we are in Christ Jesus.  Additionally he shows what the power of Jesus did in relation to the family of God.

Christ allowed non-Jews (generally most of in the Southern part of U.S.) to be adopted as sons and daughters of God.  This adoption is paramount because because our status is significantly upgraded due to Christ's sacrifice.  While families are greatly broken today, the family of God is a safe and comforting relationship that no one can break.  For those that have issues with their fathers or mothers remember that God is the ultimate caretaker and loves you and me unconditionally. 

This great relational status allows us freedom to live not for ourselves.  Rather it allows us to live boldly for God who created us.  So where are you at with your family relationships today?  If you are like me, then those relationships are not perfect.  But remember that God allows us into the perfect family because of His son.  That family gives us love, encouragement, and help for the rest of eternity.