Welcome to the Royal Family!

Since the birth of a new prince to William and Kate, there has much talk about England’s “royal family.” The whole world took notice of the birth, and commentators opined that the new baby signaled hope for the royal family’s future.

Although I’m glad George Washington and America’s founders shunned the whole “royalty” concept, there’s a lot we can learn from the monarchical model. First of all, the Bible says God has a KINGDOM, not a republic or a democracy. And while the kings, queens, princes, and princesses in England are basically figureheads  these days, God is a King who still reigns with full authority.

The new prince in England obtained royalty simply because his parents were descendants of the House of Windsor. In contrast, no one is a Christian because of who their parents are. It is a personal choice, not a right of inheritance: To those who receive Christ and believe in His name, “he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God”  (John 1:12-13).

Yes, in order to become a part of heaven’s royalty family, we must be “born of God.”  No matter the rank or circumstances of our human parents, we don’t enter the kingdom of God until we are “born again”  and “born of the Spirit”  (John 3:1-8).

While it’s an incredible privilege to be part of God’s royal family, it’s also a great responsibility.  Just as the new prince in England will be under the daily scrutiny of the paparazzi, we as Christians are under the constant scrutiny of a watching world. Will we live up to our birthright as citizens of heaven? (Philippians 3:20)

It’s time to remind believers of their high calling in Christ, just as Peter reminded the Christians of his generation: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light”  (1 Peter 2:9).

So, if you belong to Jesus today, you never need to hang down your head in shame or low self-esteem. You are royalty, after all!

But also notice that Peter says we should be boldly declaring God’s goodness to others who aren’t yet a part of the royal kingdom. You see, when new “babies” are born into God’s family, there is great joy in heaven (Luke 15:10). And every new birth signals hope for the expansion of God’s kingdom in coming generations.