What Does God’s Word Tell Us?
- 1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV): As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
- Galatians 4:7 (NIV): So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
- Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV): For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
- 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV): But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
- Romans 8:17 (NIV): 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.
- Titus 3:7 (NIV): So that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NIV): This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
- 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV): And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.
- Luke 12:48 (NIV): From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
- Matthew 25:21 (NIV): His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!
In our journey through life, we often encounter challenges and struggles that can leave us feeling lost, alone, and burdened. But as believers, we have a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally, forgives us, and accepts us into His family.
Understanding the importance of God’s fatherhood is key to developing healthy relationships and becoming effective managers of the blessings He has supplied us with.
In this study, we will explore three different outlooks or tendencies individuals may fall into, along with relevant Bible verses that offer encouragement.
The Orphan Spirit
The first tendency we may fall into is the orphan spirit. Stemming from past experiences or a lack of a strong paternal figure, this perspective leaves us feeling alone and disconnected from God’s fatherhood. We constantly rely on ourselves, lack trust, and struggle with receiving help or guidance from others. This perspective leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and a constant fear of rejection and failure.
- Romans 8:15 (ESV): For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’
- 1 John 3:1 (ESV): See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.
The Child of God
The second perspective is that of being a child of God. In this perspective, we recognize that we have a loving Father who cares for us and owns everything in the universe. Trust and security replace fear and doubt as we do our part while relying on God’s provision and guidance. This perspective allows us to take accountability for our actions, knowing that God is faithful and will bring about the results we desire.
- Galatians 4:4-7 (NIV): But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
- Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV): Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
The Blessing Manager
As we delve deeper into our understanding of God’s fatherhood, we aspire to become effective blessing managers. This perspective aligns with the truth that we are beloved children of God, heirs to His promises. Our focus shifts from self-reliance to stewardship, recognizing that all we have is a gift from our Father. We cultivate an attitude of gratitude and responsibility, using our blessings to bless others and bring glory to God. When God blesses us, our top priority should be managing those blessings as He wants. To do this, we must spend time in prayer listening to His Spirit speaking to our hearts.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV): As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
- Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV): One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Recognizing and embracing God’s fatherhood is crucial in our journey toward becoming effective blessing managers. By acknowledging the orphan spirit and transitioning into the role of a child of God, we can experience a transformation that allows us to fully rely on God and His provision. As we grow in our understanding, we can become faithful stewards, managing our blessings with gratitude and responsibility. Let us remember that we have a living hope in Jesus, who offers us a seat at our Father’s table and an eternal inheritance. We hope this resource has provided you with insights into the three tendencies individuals may fall into and the importance of embracing God’s fatherhood in our lives. May you find encouragement and guidance through your relationship with Jesus as you strive to become effective blessing managers, rooted in His love and grace.
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