Each day and experience is designed by our Father to “work together for good” and accomplish His purpose to “conform us to the image of His Son.” But the most dramatic metamorphosis will come soon when we are transported out of this sin-wrecked place, either through death or Christ’s soon-coming. John states that “we do not know what we will be like,” but there is something breathtaking that we do know: “We know that we will be like Him!” (vs. 2)
See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:1-3)
It’s an honor for me to be J.T. Elliff’s son. Admittedly, he chose to have children but he didn’t know quite what he was getting when he got me. But it has been my honor and joy, for almost 73 years now, to be the son of J.T. and Jewell Elliff.
With God the Father, it is different. God knew EXACTLY what He was getting—warts and all—when He brought me into His family. What is amazing is that, for some reason, He chose me to be His son. When you stop and ponder this for a moment, it’s one of the most humbling, awe-inspiring truths in the world.
We’re Different
The Elliff family is different. Some would even say, “weird!” But we are who we are, made so by a combination of genetics, life experiences, backgrounds, heritage, and a massive dose of God’s grace.
Those of us who are God’s children are not like the rest of the world. God inhabits us.