Because we are

Paul’s words strike me.

Because you are beloved children of God, imitate your Daddy.

Because you are saints, stay away from sexual sin, greed, and impure words.

Because you are children of light, live that way.

Notice what Paul doesn’t say.

He doesn’t say, “If you want God to love you and make you his child, imitate him.”

Nor does he say, “If you want to become a saint, stay away from sexual sin, greed, and impure words.”

Nor does he say, “Become children of light.”

Rather, we are already beloved children of God.

We are already saints.

We are already children of light.

All Paul is saying is, “Live up to your identity.”

Because you are a beloved child of God, because you are a saint, because you are a child of light, live that way.

And when we fail, know that the grace of God is there to pick us up.

But remember, we don’t need to strive to become children of God, saints, or children of light.

By his grace, we are already these things.

And so by his grace, let us live that way each day.