Baldev, A student from MSI’s school on Sumba Island shared his English speech on the theme: “I am a child of God.”
He challenged listeners to live it out, not just say it. His words reflect the kind of growth MSI seeks to support in every child.

***

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHILD OF GOD
By Baldev, Grade 7

Have you ever said, “I am a child of God.” That’s a simple statement, yet has so much meaning. But are you actually a child of God? Or are we just repeating words we’ve said since Sunday school? So right now, we’re going to take time to think about that. Are we actually a child of God, or do we just say that because we are Christians?

Today, I’m going to share about that and how we should feel about that. First, being a child of God is not just about saying that we believe in Him. It’s about denying ourselves, carrying our cross, and producing the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

A true child of God will not be afraid to spread the Gospel. They will have the fire to disciple others and teach them to live by God’s commands.

Second, we need to face the hard truth. We never deserved to be a child of God. Never in a million years. Even if we were the kindest, most humble, most generous person in the entire world, we would still be the enemy of God because of our sins. It’s not about us. It’s about God. His love, His plans, and His work. God came down to earth on a rescue mission to save us, sinful humans, so that we could become His children. Because of that, it should change how we feel. We should not feel pride or boastfulness, but gratitude, peace, and closeness with God. We should feel honor instead of arrogance, because the Creator of the universe loves us, even when we fail.

As children of God, we should have confidence instead of fear, because God has given us a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. As a child of God, we should change the way we see our lives, live it, and the way we act each day.

Let me share a story from the Bible. There was a father with two sons. The younger son asked for his inheritance and left home. He spent everything he had. When he realized his mistake, he decided to return home. When his father saw him from a distance, he ran to him, hugged him, and celebrated his return. This story teaches us that no matter how far we stray, or how long we stay away, God will still welcome us and call us His children.

Being a child of God is not about being perfect. It is about trusting in God’s plan. Now, knowing that we are loved and called God’s children should change every part of our lives. It’s not about always being right, but about reflecting His character, showing kindness, patience, forgiveness, and the fruit of the Spirit. Every part of our life is an opportunity to live out what it means to be a child of God.

So whatever season you are in right now, whatever you are going through, remember: you are a child of God, and no one can take that away from you.

But the question is—are you living like it? Are you showing God’s love in everything you do? Are you carrying your cross every day? Are you producing the fruit of the Spirit in your daily life? Do you trust your Father’s plan when you have to make decisions?

Thank you, and God bless you.

Watch Baldev's English speech video here: