MORE THAN GENETICS

Maybe you’ve heard this too. Two girls were talking. The first goes on about how she her brown hair, brown eyes, dark complexion and height from her mom. The other girl wonders how that is possible because she knows that her friend’s mom has blond hair, blue eyes, fair complexion and is short. The first girl then says, “I was adopted.” This public service announcement ends with a voice over saying, “Adoption gives your child more than you can give them yourself.”

Parents cannot give their children anything they don’t already have. I’m thankful for my mom and dad, but they have passed on more than genetics. They gave me their nature. They got it from their parents and I’ve passed it on to my kids. You have the same nature. As sons of Adam and daughters of Eve we have received a heart of sin and death. None of us are “good people” because we are wired for rebellion. It’s all our parents had to give us, but that all changes when you are adopted by God.

• Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
  Galatians 4:6 NIV

Our Father God gives us more than our parents ever could themselves. Have you ever stopped to think about what we have received because the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Adoption has been given to us?

With our adoption God causes us to be born again. That means I no longer just have the family resemblance of my mom and dad. Because I’ve been born again I have received the nature of God. He enables me to reflect His image and righteousness to the world. In fact God’s purpose is for all of His children to look like His Son Jesus (see Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). As a child of God, His Spirit enables me to be obedient to His word and free from sin (see 1 Peter 1:14).

But that’s not all. Because I’ve been adopted I have been given a new name and am the recipient of our Heavenly Father’s abounding love (see 1 John 3:1; Revelation 2:17). Furthermore, I have an inheritance far greater than anything this world could ever give (see Romans 8:17).

Still there is more. As a child of God I receive His provision and protection. The Father is with me to give comfort and when needed discipline. He has set me free from guilt and fear. I could go on and on about what our Heavenly Father has done. I’m glad I’m adopted. What do you think?