Done with Formalities

Growing Daily

When I first got to college, I couldn’t believe how different it felt from high school. Fewer rules. Fewer classes. A schedule you chose yourself. But one of the most striking things came on the first day, when the professors introduced themselves.

It was no longer Mr. Jones or Mrs. Thomas written on the chalkboard. Instead, they’d smile and say, “Hi, I’m Mike,” or “Call me Sarah.”

At first this felt weird, almost disrespectful. But I quickly realized it wasn’t about diminishing respect. It was about removing distance. It was still a teacher-student relationship, but it became more personal.

That shift gives a glimpse of how God relates to us through Jesus.

Before Christ, people approached God carefully... through priests, rituals, and distance. But when Jesus came, everything changed.

Romans 8:15 says, “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, Abba, Father.”

The word Abba isn't formal. It's what a child calls their dad — warm, close, familiar. The Creator of the universe isn't asking for formality or ritual. He's inviting you in.

Respect and awe remain, but the distance is gone. You’re invited to call Him Father. Come close.

- Ron Reid