Who's your daddy?

One of the strange things about meeting Matthew for the first time was that we were not allowed to address him as “Mommy” and “Daddy.” Since he is not legally adopted yet, we had to sort of fake it.

We know we are to become his mom and dad, but he does not.

Matthew doesn’t have a father. His father died of TB when he was only 2 years old. Matthew’s life has taken a turn since that time. Consider all of the things that have changed:

• He is now an orphan. He has no family.
• His home is an orphanage.
• His economic situation is dire.
• His health is poor.
• I could go on and on.  But you get the picture.

Even though his situation is about to change, he doesn’t know it. He life is about to shift from no-family to family. But he doesn’t have to accept it.

Could you imagine if he continued to live like an orphan?

• He rejected us as mom and dad
• He refused love, acceptance, and family
• He continued to wear his old clothes, eat the same food
• He refused education, his new bed, his new siblings

A person could be part of a new family, but refuse to live like it. We could have all the rights, privileges, love, family and acceptance, but not embrace these things. Paul says it this way in Romans 8:15-17:

…The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

The biggest difference you will see in your life as a Christ-follower will only be realized when you fully embrace your new status as a true child of God. You are no longer an orphan, you are his child!

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