Bible Reading: Romans 8:14-17
His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16
NO ONE SHOULD ENJOY a bigger sense of belonging than God’s kids. You belong to God and his family. The apostle John wrote, “See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are!” (1 John 3:1). Something to notice: As soon as John wrote the words “his children,” he must have paused as that truth hit him, because he tops off the thought with an exclamation. If John were here today, he might say it this way: “Whoa! We really are God’s children! That’s incredible!”
Maybe you’re thinking, but we’re only adopted. It’s not like we’re real children in God’s family. You might think that being adopted by God makes us second-class kids in his kingdom.
If that’s what you’re thinking, listen to how my longtime friend Dick Day views adoption. After having parented their five biological children, Dick and his wife, Charlotte, went to Korea and adopted a sixth child, Jimmy. Dick says, “That little guy Jimmy is my son. He has the same rights and privileges as our other five children. He has the same access to our inheritance, our time, and our love.” And you know what? Jimmy sees himself just as much as Dick and Charlotte’s child as do his siblings.
The way Dick talks makes me better appreciate our spot in God’s family. We’re adopted, but like Dick, God declares that “everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too” (Romans 8: 17). We’re equal inheritors of God’s blessings. We get the same gifts Jesus does. In other words, God sees us just as my friend Dick sees Jimmy.
Some adopted young people doubt whether they truly belong to their earthly family. Others say they are specially loved because they were chosen to belong to a dad and mom. In God’s family, all of us are wanted because we were chosen. No doubt about it.
Your adoption as God’s child is a truth worth pausing over. You can say these words with enthusiasm and awe: “Whoa! I really am a child of God! I really belong!” It’s a biblical insight that is key to transforming your sense of identity.
You may want to pull out a blank sheet of paper and write a letter to your Father-your heavenly Father. Write in your own words how you feel about belonging to him and receiving the same inheritance Christ receives.
REFLECT: So does being adopted by God make you a second-class member of his family? Why or why not?
PRAY: If you wrote a letter to God, take time to pray your letter aloud. Or simply tell God how you feel about belonging to him.
