Are you a Son-flower

What do believers have in common with sunflowers?

Recently, at a ladies' meeting, I learned some interesting facts about sunflowers that made me think of us, God’s children. Did you know there are seventy species of sunflowers, and they come in many shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple? They also vary in size, but regardless of their color or size, they are all sunflowers.

There are over 17,000 unique people groups around the world. The skin colors of these groups range from shades of white, brown, red, yellow, to black, and their sizes also vary. The pygmies of Australia can be under five feet tall, while the Dinga people of South Sudan are between six and seven feet tall, making them some of the tallest people in the world. Just as all sunflowers belong to the same genus or botanical classification, we are all humans created in the image of God. If you have accepted Christ as your personal Savior, then we are part of the same family—God’s family.

One of the unique traits of a sunflower is that in the morning, it faces east and then follows the sun all day. This is called heliotropism. I love this thought. Shouldn't we start our morning with Jesus and follow His guidance throughout our day? “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up” (Psalm 5:3 KJV).

Sunflowers symbolize different character traits around the world. In some regions, they stand for loyalty, adoration, and happiness. In others, their bright yellow petals represent joy. And in still more places, they embody strength and resilience.

When we think about all the things the sunflower can symbolize, doesn't that sound like how we, as God’s children, should be? The Lord says we are to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. He also wants to be our priority in life. “Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV).

The deeper our relationship with the Lord becomes, the stronger our love and admiration grow. We want to praise and thank Him with all our hearts, and we can experience not just happiness, but joy. Genuine joy can only be found in Christ.  Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11 KJV).

 In this chaotic world filled with violence, evil, and danger, our strength often runs out. However, in Christ, we have supernatural power — the strength of God living within us. Through Him, we can have the strength to not only accomplish the task He gives us but also to endure until He calls us home. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10 KJV).

The next time you see a sunflower, let it remind you of yourself—following, loving, obeying, and standing strong in your Lord, Jesus Christ.