Christians don’t get in tune with the universe; we get in tune with the God the Holy Spirit, the Creator of the universe!

7 Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.
21 For you ways are in full view of the LORD, and He examines all your paths [to keep you free from the cords of sin–see verse 22].

The Spirit of God is in us. Emmanuel means, “God with us.” Upon Jesus’ death when the temple veil split down the middle, it signaled the end of temple worship. At Pentecost, the tongues of fire signaled the moving of God’s temple from the temple building to the believers, who became living temples. So are we! God is with us–Emmanuel in our hearts! Consider these verses:

⁵ Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. ⁶ So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. ⁷ For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. ⁸ That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

⁹ But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) ¹⁰ And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. ¹¹ The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

¹² Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. ¹³ For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. ¹⁴ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:5-14

IF we live according to the Spirit, and

IF we live to please God, and

IF we are led by the Spirit of God,

THEN we will have a mind that is governed by life and peace that comes from the Spirit, and

THEN we will have eternal life (beginning RIGHT NOW) because we are made righteous and ARE pleasing to God, and

THEN we are children of God.

Everyone is raised to sonship in Christ (see Galatians 3:28). Sons can inherit, which is what Paul says we will do with Christ in eternity (see Romans 8:17). But, I think there is more to it than that. Eve got her instructions from Adam (Genesis 3:2; the instructions were elaborated upon, which indicates that they were probably from Adam rather than God Himself. In fact, God gave Adam His instructions about the tree in 2:16-17 BEFORE Eve was made) whereas Adam got his from God Himself. Being a son means that we can speak to God personally and no longer need a mediator (John 16:26-27). Jesus is our Mediator for sin since His sacrifice was eternal (Hebrews 7:24-25 and Revelation 13:8), but we get to walk and talk with God Himself through His Spirit (which is also Jesus).

Since we are sons, let’s act like sons of God with true reverence, devotion, and great joy. Let’s be lavish with our money and resources, with our time and with our lives as we pour out God’s love on others. If we do it to other Christians, then others will be drawn to the fellowship we have in Christ. If we do it to unbelievers according to the leading of the Spirit, then they will be drawn to the same Spirit who guides us. It’s a win/win situation!

Abba, I pray for my readers that they would know their position in You (as sons) and sense Your presence and participation in their lives. May they live out their faith which is founded on Your promises to always be with us and to never forsake us, and to bless us beyond our wildest imagination. Use us to bless others, Lord. We are Yours. Amen.