Know My Father to Know Me

1See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” – 1 John 3:1 (ESV)

As a child of God, I am different. I do not conform to the ways of this world that seems to be driven by societal norms. I do not seek to be insta-anything. I do not look to have what the “rich and famous” have. I do not do what I do for the recognition or notoriety of the world. I am here to serve God and to do His will. And that is what you may not know about me.

If you want to know who I am, look to my Father, who is my example. Look to Jesus and know Him to know me. He did not come to be liked by the world, He came to save the world. And that got Him killed, and that was the plan all along! He was not insta-anything, He did not have what the “rich and famous” had. He did not want recognition from the world. He was here to spread the gospel of His Father and to do His will.

Too often in this world, it is as though we are looking to be “like” someone. And usually that someone is from the societal norm that seems to have it all. I am not of that persuasion. I am content with who I am and what I have. Our newest car is a 2005. We are totally okay with having BLTs for dinner. We go shopping at the thrift shops. Our idea of a good night is relaxing at home streaming on the television.

Where the above is true, it is not that we are against what others have created for themselves and we do enjoy letting our hair down from time to time and going all out for some fun. But the difference is that we are not living to do so. We have a higher goal in mind and know that by following the example of our Father, we will reach that goal. By living a life of contentment, we are able to focus on that which will make a difference and that which is of the societal norm is not where we find ourselves longing to be.

If you really want to know me, get to know my Father in heaven. See the example that He gave and recognize that in me to see me in the light. Just because I do not look to be like everyone else, does not mean that I should be shunned by society. It is only because you don’t know my Father and therefor you do not recognize Him in me.

What is it that you are trying to be? Are you allowing society to drive who you are so that you will be known to all? What if you were to be like Christ and encourage everyone to get to know the Father to know you?

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