The Evidence of a True Child of God

“I have been young, and now I am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.” — Psalm 37:25

Today marks 13 years since I went through the watery grave. In my short—but also long—journey as a professed Christian, I can testify alongside the psalmist: God never forsakes His children.

But that leads to a crucial question: Who are the children of God? Who are the righteous?

It’s important to pause here, because this promise in Psalm 37:25 is not a blanket promise to all humanity. Scripture specifies that it applies to “the righteous” and to “His descendants.” So how do we know whether we fall into those categories?

Jesus gives us clarity. In Matthew 12:50, He says that whoever does the will of His Father is His brother, sister, and mother—His family. And the Bible repeatedly teaches that we become children of God through faith in Christ and obedience to His Word.

So here’s the follow-up question:
What happens if we are not obedient to His Word? Can we still call ourselves His children?

Allow me to suggest the following:
We are all God’s creation, but Scripture shows that we become God’s children when we live in obedience to Him.

This brings us to a personal, introspective question:
Am I obedient to His Word? Do I live by faith in what He has spoken each day?

As much as I have been baptized for 13 years, I can admit that there were seasons when I was not living as a child of God—because my life did not reflect the standard found in Scripture. Yet, because the door of mercy was (and still is) open, God lovingly drew me back. And day by day, through His strength, I aim to live worthy of the title He has given me:
A daughter of God.

Application

Take time today to examine your walk with God. Not just your beliefs, your church attendance, or your spiritual history—but your obedience. Are your daily choices aligned with His Word? Are your thoughts, habits, and relationships under His lordship?

If you discover areas where you’ve drifted, don’t be discouraged. The same God who sustained the righteous in Psalm 37 is still inviting you back into full fellowship with Him. His door is open, His arms are extended, and His strength is available.

Choose today to live as His child—not only by creation, but by obedience. Let your life testify that God truly never forsakes His own.