The Kids of a King

The Hofburg Palace

In 21st century America, royalty is more of a concept than a tangible reality.

At some point we all imagine what it might be like to be a prince or a princess. Girls see themselves in long, flowing dresses and dream of meeting prince charming. Boys  imagine swords and coats of armor and slaying dragons.

The stuff of fairy tales.

My family and I lived in Vienna for 6 weeks once. Part of the beauty of the city is its rich history, especially the imperial Habsburg family. Perhaps many of you have never heard of them, but they ruled much of Europe for nearly 700 years.

The imperial family’s influence is seen all over the city today nearly 100 years after they last ruled. From large, robust statues that serve as memorials to former emperors to city squares named for valiant rulers to the large yellow mansion built to serve as a summer home, Schönbrunn Palace.

The palace is now a tourist attraction and visitors are allowed to visit the royal apartments. While walking through the building you can almost picture and feel what it must be like to be an heir to the throne. Every need met. Any pleasure satisfied. The kingdom and maybe even the entire world at your disposal. Who knows, maybe they even had servants around to wipe for you.

And your father, a man whom you affectionately refer to as dad, would be the one in control of it all.

Can you imagine what life might be as a member of the royal family? As the son of an emperor? What if you had a endless supply of resources? More people than you could ever need working for you. More money than you could ever possibly count. Just say the word, and it would be done.

Nothing could stop you. Nothing would get in your way. And if someone tried, all you would have to do is talk to your dad about it.

Schönbrunn Palace

When I was at Catalyst Atlanta last week, I heard Bob Goff speak. Bob is the founder and president of Restore International, a group that helps fight injustice and poverty all over the world. He spoke about the actions that result from love. When we have experienced undeserved, unconditional love from God our father, our lives will change.

And when we love him back, we will do his work. Nothing speaks louder than showing others the same kind of love he has shown us.

Many of us are afraid, though. We see obstacles in our way. We see limited resources. We see impossibilities.

But Bob encouraged everyone to press on with this statement of truth.

We are the Kids of a King.

Not just a king. Not just the emperor of the Austro-Hungarian empire, but of the living God. The creator of the universe.

The God who loves us so much, that he died for us.

Do you see yourself as the member of a royal family? Does fear prevent you from doing more? Share your story here.