You've Got Your Father's Eyes

 

 


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You often hear people say, “You’ve got your mother’s smile”, or maybe a family member may comment, “you walk just like your Dad”. In 1979, gospel singer Amy Grant released an award-winning song entitled “Father’s Eyes.”1

 

            The lyrics go— “She’s got her father’s eyes; eyes that find the good in things, when good is not around; eyes that find the source of help when help just can’t be found…” We like to be recognized for these positive attributes.  For some people, having a family resemblance may not be the best thing to think about. A lot of bad habits and negative attitudes can be characteristics of moms, dads, siblings, and other family members. Others may not have known their father or even had a chance to meet him. But, help is on the way. There is a family that nurtures and provides a caring circle of love.

 

What does God give us?

            God gives us family. This is one of His best promises. We are not alone or abandoned. We are not without support and guidance. The family God gives is not the flesh and blood family we are born into on this earth. We are adopted into God’s family (Ephesians 1:5). Best of all, with this family, we can be proud of family resemblance.  In I John 3:2, the Bible says, “Beloved, (that’s you and me), now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when he is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

            I can’t think of a more powerful family resemblance than to take on the characteristics of a perfect God, just as His Son Jesus does. You might ask, “how could I ever be perfect enough to look like God?” The answer to this question lies in the beauty and blessing of the gospel. As we confess Christ as our Lord, God sees us forgiven and entirely clean.

            Becoming a member of God’s family happens because of the gift of His Son. To receive this gift, we must believe in the name of Jesus Christ (John 1:12).

                       

            Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to         become children of God¬children born not of natural descent, nor human decision or a  husband’s will, but born of God.

 

We act on that belief by what we think and do. As we believe in Him, we desire more and more to follow what He says. Jesus taught his disciples to show their love for Him by obeying his commands. He taught, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. If you love me, you will be loved by the Father…” (John 14:21). Think of it like this. when a new baby is born into a family, the mother and dad see that little child as most beautiful, innocent, sweet, and precious. They look at their little baby through eyes of love. This is how God sees us through Christ, with eyes of love. Christ makes it possible for God to look on his children as if they are innocent and good. The new baby will grow and look more and more like his or her parents. By following the daily habits of the parents they will become more like other members of the family. This is a promise for the children of God.

 

A Family Story Worth Sharing.

            Jesus had been deeply involved in teaching and healing the people in Israel. One day His mother and brothers were looking for Jesus.  Struggling against a huge crowd of people, they couldn’t even get inside the building. When someone got word to Jesus about his family who were asking for him, he replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice” (Luke 8:21). It is important to understand¬ Jesus wasn’t disloyal to his family. Instead, he explained the importance of Godly living through personal obedience. In the New Testament book of James (1:22), the writer follows this same pattern of thought. We are encouraged to both listen to God’s word and do what God’s word (the Bible) says. By doing this we can take on the characteristics of God’s family.

            The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the people of Rome and explained that as they become believers in Christ, they would begin to look like God’s Son. It is not magic nor is the change immediate. In Romans 8:29, the Bible says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Christ is our brother. Being conformed means to be in agreement with the teachings of Christ. We change and begin to look like Jesus. We become similar in character to our Brother.

            What happens when there is conflict in a family? We may be confused or feel overwhelmed. This is a time when we can trust God to love us even when we feel unloved in everyday life. This is when God’s Spirit offers comfort and guidance during days when our faith is tested and we don’t know what to do in a certain situation. It is important to rely on three important habits for daily living: seeking the truth in God’s word, time spent in prayer, and the prompting of God’s spirit to help us with challenges we may face. Just like mixing milk, eggs,  and flour together for pancakes, these three things should be well blended. Good spiritual habits help with both our earthly family as well as God’s family.  

            Part of the promise for life in God’s family is the enduring love today and through all our tomorrows. Remember, God loves us so much He gave His only son so that we might have life eternal. Now that’s a family characteristic anyone would want.

 

 

Prayer. Father, thank you for the promise of an eternal family through your son Jesus Christ. Help me to live each day showing the characteristics of a child adopted into your family.

                                                                                                        

Questions.

1)    Read Galatians 5:22-23. Do you have love, joy, and peace in your daily life? Do you relate to others with kindness and patience?

2)    Where does the fruit of the Spirit come from and how is it produced in us?

3)    Read James chapters 1 and 2. Can you name characteristics that represent the family of God?

 

 

All scripture is from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.


1 Amy Grant (1979). My Father’s Eyes. On My Father’s Eyes. Produced by Brown Bannister with Myrrh Records, Gospel recording company in the United States.

 

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