For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

Romans 2:28-29 NLT

Over the weekend, Patrina met some new people from church and as we talked about our lives, it came up that we are both preacher’s kids and each of our paternal grandfathers also pastored churches (Odd to say that in your 50’s, don’t you think?).

I’ve heard it said before that God has no grandchildren, only sons and daughters. So, while Patrina and I have attempted to follow Christ in our lives, our Christian heritage means nothing unless it is meaningful to us individually.

Like many of today’s Christians, the Jews of Paul’s day found their identity in their rich biological, cultural and religious heritage, but Paul points out that those with a true relationship with God is one “whose heart is right with God.”

True Christianity is not some form of legalism. It is more than following a set of rules or having more good works than bad. Instead, it is found in “a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.”

Let’s be those kind of people who seek to hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”