by Neil Anderson

September 1

Romans 8:38, 39
I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord

When I was born physically I had a father. As Marvin Anderson’s son, is there anything that I could possibly do which would change my blood relationship to him? What if I ran away from home and changed my name? Would I still be his son? Of course! We’re related by blood and nothing can change that. But is there anything I could do which would affect the harmony of our relationship as father and son? Yes, indeed! The harmony of our relationship was interrupted countless times by my behavior.

In the spiritual realm, when I was born again I became a member of God’s family. God is my Father and I enjoy an eternal relationship with Him through the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18, 19). I am a child of God, in spiritual union with Him by His grace which I received through faith. My relationship with God was forever settled when I was born into His family. But is there anything I can do which will interfere with the harmony of my relationship with God? Absolutely. Living in harmony with God is based on the same issue as harmony with my earthly father: obedience. When I don’t obey God, the harmony of our relationship is disturbed and my life is usually miserable as a result. I love my heavenly Father and I want to be in harmony with Him so I strive to obey Him. But even when we are in disharmony because of my disobedience, my relationship with Him is not at stake because we are related by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Paul was convinced that nothing could separate him from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39). Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27, 28 NIV ). Focus on your obedience to God so you may live in harmony with Him.

Prayer: Thank You, heavenly Father, for the eternal relationship I enjoy with You because of the precious blood of Jesus. Teach me to obey that I may live in harmony with You.