Before his retirement, my dad served in the military for over two decades. I was born while he was a chaplain at the Naval Academy. A year later, on Treasure Island in California, Navy sailors held me in their laps and played with me during his sermons at the chapel.
As I grew up, I didn’t know all his position entailed, but I knew he was esteemed, that he helped people, and that he wore a cool uniform with a hat! While in Arlington, VA, he reported to the Chief of Chaplains in Washington, D.C. When he took me to his office, I was more impressed with his metal desk and Navy pens than the people he worked with.
Technically, I had no right to be there. They wouldn’t have allowed me onto the base without my Navy I.D. card. Because of my dad’s status, I had access not only to his office, but to many facilities on any base. We bought groceries at the commissary and my shoes at the Navy Exchange. In middle school, Mom drove me to the base daily after school because I swam on the Navy swim team. Years later, we held our wedding reception at the Officer’s Club.
My dad showed me what it meant to be part of a military family. I never questioned my right to enter the commissary. I never covertly snuck into the Navy Exchange lest I get caught trespassing. I knew who I was—the daughter of an officer. Nothing I did could make me more “militaried” or revoke my access; my rights came from my dad.
Just as my identity as a Navy kid granted me access to places I didn’t earn, my identity in Christ grants me access to spiritual realities I could never deserve. I don’t have to earn my way into God’s presence. I don’t have to prove my worth to receive His blessings. I don’t sneak around hoping He won’t notice my flaws. I walk boldly—not because of who I am, but because of whose I am.
Scripture says:
- I am seated in heavenly places with Christ (Ephesians 2:6). God Himself placed me there. I’m not groveling at the gates of heaven; I’m seated at the table.
- I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). I’m not left to navigate life with mere human logic. I have access to divine wisdom, discernment, and peace that surpasses understanding.
- I have forgiveness through His blood (Ephesians 1:7). My past doesn’t define me. My mistakes don’t disqualify me. I am redeemed, restored, and made new—not by my effort, but by His grace.
- I have authority over all the schemes of the devil (Luke 10:19). I don’t have to live in fear. No need to cower in spiritual battles. I can stand firm, clothed in the armor of God, knowing the victory is already won.
These rights aren’t earned—they’re inherited. They’re not temporary—they’re eternal. And they’re not based on my performance—they’re rooted in my position as a child of God. So I live like I belong. I pray like I’m heard. I worship like I’m loved. I walk through life with the confidence of someone who knows exactly who her Father is. And so should you.
Enjoyed this message and great reminder. You didn’t have to think about it, because you just were… a daughter of the King!