John 1:12 The Right to Become Children of God

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to becomechildren of God, to those who believe in His name. [John 1:12]

John makes much of this concept in the first of his Epistles, esp. 1John 3:

¹ Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. ² Beloved, 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. 

Paul understands it as "adoption", and glories in it. [Ro 8, and elsewhere]  Think of it!  We are no longer just creatures to God, but his children!  What can be more glorious than this!

Some think it glorious that Earth is their "mother".  But that is just to say we are made of dust, which is true as well as obvious.  The earth doesn't actually care for us or love us.  God, our Father, does! And Oh! how He loves us!  He adopts those who believe in Jesus His Son, who are "born of God." 

It's time we start acting like God's children, instead of spoiled, fatherless brats.  I say "fatherless" only because a fatherless child has no protector or provider (speaking of the traditional roles of mother and father).  Are we really to live as wild street urchins who must fight and protect ourselves, providing by stealing and cheating others?  This is how the world is today: Heathen, and very much so.

Father, show us, who have been given the power to become your children, how to not only trust you as our Provider and Protector, but also how to represent you as our Father.  Help us to rise above the streets, and "reign in life", not fight for survival of the fittest like mere animals.  Send your Spirit to our hearts today. AMEN