When friends of ours considered having an orphan from another country come to live with their family, they prayerfully faced their feelings about many issues. To bring the child into the US, they would have to adopt her, giving her the same rights and status as their own children. She would become one of their heirs.

They were not unwilling to share what they had, but they struggled with the long-term implications of what they were about to do. To care for a foster child is a compassionate, unselfish undertaking. But to choose to adopt is an even more serious responsibility.

Isn't it amazing that in His eternal plan, God chose to adopt us as His sons and daughters in Christ? Giving us more than care and compassion, God has made us His heirs. The Bible says that Christ redeemed us "that we might receive the adoption as sons. . . . And if a son, then an heir of God through Christ" (Gal. 4:5,7). What do we inherit? All the riches of God's mercy, grace, and love, as well as His presence and His peace. We inherit a relationship with Him now and forever.

What a privilege to be adopted--a child by choice--an heir in the family of God!  — David C. McCasland