Adopted

 

As a child, how often have you felt convinced you were definitely the adopted member of the family?  I have to confess; I’ve personally entertained the idea more often than I’d like to admit. 

I chuckle as I remember spending many nights dreaming of what my other “real” parents and siblings were like. Most of my false assumptions were simply based on the fact I was much too different than the rest of the family at that time.

 

Now that we are grown, nothing could be further from the truth.  We are alike in so many ways.  And often we are told that we carry the spit image of our parents, both outwardly and inwardly.  

 

 It’s no surprise that the Bible identifies us as the adopted children of God. Although initially diverse, the more time we spend in the family of God the more as children we grow to bear the image of our father. 

 

Every adoption begins with the legalization process.  Accepting Christ as our savior gives us the legal right to become adopted into the family of God.

 

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT)

 

Notice, the above verse does NOT say believing and accepting him gives us the right to “be children”, but to “become children”.  It’s certainly not a one-time deal, it’s a process.

 

Though the child may be legally confirmed a son or daughter, their behavior, code of conduct, and demeanor are still entirely contrary to their adoptive family.  It takes time for the child to become accustom to family practices and norms. 

 

 Likewise, though we may be legally called children of God, it takes applied spiritual discipline and maturity to become what we have already been legally named.  

 

as long as he is a child… is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father… that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Gal 4:2-5 KJV)