Family Traits

Family traits can be funny things. It may be the color of our hair, a dimple in our cheek, or some of our mannerisms. Junior walks just like Dad. Sissy twirls that lock of hair just like Mom. Buddy’s exploding laugh reminds us of Grandpa.

Whether our earlobe is attached or unattached is a matter of genes. So is the ability to roll one’s tongue or have hair on the mid-digits of fingers. Certain traits we may not wish to inherit, such as baldness or having a gap between the front teeth. Actions may also be similar. “He’s just like his dad,” can be a positive statement (“hard-working like his dad”) or negative (“a temper just like his dad’s”).

Much more serious than a quirky eyebrow or an over-long nose are those qualities which form the inner man. If we look back to our first ancestor, Adam, we learn he left us an inheritance no one would desire—our sinful nature. Isaiah 43:27 tells us, “Your first father sinned.” Because of Adam, “sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12).

Jesus recognized how our character shows our family relationship. In John 8:44 He strongly denounced those Jews who tried to justify themselves while condemning Him. He knew their parentage by their actions.

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (ESV)

When we lose our temper, speak sarcastic or harsh words, fail to keep promises, lie to cover a mistake, or display a critical spirit, we try to excuse our actions by saying, “It’s just my nature.” Do we realize what we are saying? If a quick temper is “just my nature,” is that nature Christ-like? If we tell a “little white lie” to escape an unpleasant situation, is this something Jesus would do? To use the “my nature” excuse reveals who our father really is.

Even though we were “shapen in iniquity; and in sin” (Psalm 51:3), we are not doomed to finish our lives bound by negative characteristics such as those listed in Galatians 5:19-21. Instead, we can receive a new nature and take on the characteristics of Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). When we are in Christ, the old habits from our former existence will disappear. We will begin to resemble our new Father. We are transformed.

Colossians 3:2 admonishes us to “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” How much we love God determines our success in becoming like Him. The greater our love for Him, the greater our desire to please Him. The more our love grows, the more we resemble our Father and take on His characteristics. This is a daily process.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, ESV).

In our relationship with God, the more we are with Him, the more we will grow to resemble Him. The more we immerse ourselves in His Word, the more we will understand His thoughts. We will begin to truly have the mind of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).

Blue eyes or brown, short or tall, straight hair or curly, stocky or thin—these inherited physical traits matter little. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith—these inner qualities do matter.

How much do you look like your Father?

Dear Lord, thank You for the transforming power of Your Spirit working in my life. My desire is to become more like You each day. I want to look like You, think like You, and act like You. I am privileged to call You my Father.