The Spirit That Cries “Abba”

“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” (Romans 8:15–16)

Many years ago, early on a Thursday morning in the formative days of my ministry, God took me in a vision to a temple of worship. In that sacred place I encountered Jesus—but in a way I did not expect. He came toward me carrying something wrapped in a blanket. Instinctively I asked, “What is it, Lord?” Gently He replied, “Unwrap it and see.”

As I lifted the folds back, I saw a baby cradled in His arms. As a single man at the time, my immediate internal response was honest—I did not want a baby! Sensing my confusion, Jesus smiled and began to explain.

“Jarrod,” He said, “this is your spirit.”

Guard the Childlike Gift

He continued, “Inside you is something I have created to be childlike—something to be cherished and protected, not exploited. It is not to be abused to make yourself look good, monetised for gain, or over-sophisticated for ego and pride. Your ministry must remain innocent, naive, joyful, fun, and free from pretence. If you use what I’ve placed in you for money, fame, ego, or empire-building, it becomes abuse of My gift. Remain childlike, enigmatic, unique, faithful, and obedient to Me.”

For what felt like half an hour, He spoke about innocence—about how easily sacred things are corrupted when we forget who they’re for. Scriptures flooded my mind: “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). I realised afresh that when Romans says our spirit cries “Abba, Father”, it is the language of a Jewish child—intimate, trusting, unfiltered. Your spirit was designed to stay that way: young, full of wonder, and secure in love.

Don’t Monetise the Miracle

Our childlike spirit was never designed to monetise the gospel or build a private income stream beside the temple. That kind of distortion attracts the table-flipping zeal of heaven (Matthew 21:12–13). Nor is it meant for parading spirituality, crafting personal brands, or manufacturing systems that make us look impressive. We are not here to build empires from divine seed; we are here to serve our King with kindness and selflessness (Mark 10:45).

So let me encourage you today, as Jesus encouraged me: remain childlike in your faith. Be trusting—if Father says it, take it as gospel truth (Proverbs 3:5). Stay wide-eyed in wonder and worship. Laugh like a child—science tells us children laugh hundreds of times more than adults. Oh, for that holy wonder again! Forgive quickly (Ephesians 4:32). Love freely (1 Corinthians 13:7). Obey simply (John 14:23). Serve humbly and quietly (Micah 6:8).

When we do, we don’t lose power—we step fully into it. The kingdom flows most freely through hearts that still know how to cry, “Abba!”

Believe & Confess Meditation & Declaration

I confess that I have received the Spirit of adoption, and I cry, “Abba, Father,” as a beloved child, not a fearful servant (Romans 8:15). I believe the Spirit Himself testifies with my spirit that I am God’s child, secure and accepted in His love (Romans 8:16). I choose childlike faith, trusting the Lord with all my heart and not leaning on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). I receive the kingdom of heaven as a child, with humility, wonder, and joy (Matthew 19:14). I serve Jesus selflessly, not building my own empire but laying down my life in love (Mark 10:45). I walk humbly with my God, guarding the innocence He has placed within me (Micah 6:8).

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