How many will go to heaven? There are some who say only 144,000 - a very literal and mistaken reading of Revelation. Reading a little further, the vision speaks of people too numerous to count, of every nation, race, tribe, and language. That is the true message: God does not play favorites, but is the God of all. Human distinctions and labels mean nothing to God. No one has a greater right to God because of belonging to the right country, people, or religion. And that is the message that should be in our hearts and on our lips throughout our life. It is a message needed in our divided and hate-filled world.

God's love for us is so great that we are granted the privilege of being called children of God. It is not a title to use lightly, for along with it goes a great responsibility. We must live like children of God - according to God's ways - rather than by human ways. But God has only begun with us, for there are even more wondrous things in store for us. We need to be patient and learn from the lessons and opportunities that we receive each day.

The Beatitudes paint a perfect picture of a child of God: non-violent, gentle, compassionate, pure of heart, humble, surrendered to God, and passionate for justice and what is good.