I must settle once and for all the differences between my rights and my privileges. To be called a “son of God” is my right (John 1:12, KJV), but the expression of that sonship is a privilege that I must earn. Even Jesus, the eternal Son of God, had to earn a better name than the angels (Hebrews 1:4). Sonship with God comes to me when I express faith in Jesus Christ, but the glory of my sonship comes to me only when I am faithful to my calling.
How I love the “overcomings” of Revelation 2 and 3: “To him who overcomes,” said Jesus to His followers, “I will give …” What wonderful things He grants, or bestows on, His servants: the tree of life, hidden manna, power over nations, open praise, a new name, and a throne of glory. And yet each of these is not given unconditionally; it is bestowed upon me as I overcome. The overcomer earns the privilege; and unless he does indeed earn it, none will be given, even though he is a son of God.
That is what I read about Jesus. “Therefore … God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). The glory that Jesus now enjoys is an earned glory, a glory that the Father bestowed upon Him only after He made Himself of no reputation, took upon Himself the form of a servant, became a man, and obeyed even to the cross.
So it must be with me. My sonship with God is merely the seed out of which I am to reap a harvest of dedicated discipleship, the result of which will be reward, recognition, honor, and praise. God forbid that it should ever be said of me, “He did not live up to his birth promise!” Rather, by God’s help, may I hear Him say: “I have counted you worthy of the Kingdom” (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:5). I am in the Kingdom by grace; I am worthy of the Kingdom by obedient sonship.
“Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).
Daily with the King 