Post adoption

Ephesians 1:5–6 (NASB 95)

5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Examine / Explain

Consider the profound significance of Ephesians 1:5-6 in your faith journey. Before the world’s foundation, God had a divine plan for His people. His intention was for all humanity to be His sons and daughters, predestined to follow Him through His heavenly son Jesus Christ. His will is for all to return to the Father, bringing Him the praise He deserves. He has granted us the freedom to choose the Beloved, and when we do, glory be to the Father in heaven.

How do I apply this to my life?

How am I living out my life in Christ? Can I walk in the confidence of my salvation and know that I have been adopted as a son into the family of God? And know that this is what He has intended for me since the being. It is no accident that I was born when and where I was. I have been created with purpose and intent. I have a call placed on my life. I think responsibility is the wrong word, but I’m unsure what word could describe my thinking. We have responsibilities as believers. To freely give and share our faith and minister to those around us. It doesn’t matter if it is your “gift” or not. These are the things Jesus commanded us to do. Do we get to have supernatural ability above what we are called to do? I believe so. I think this is where our spiritual gifts come in. If spiritual gifting is above the natural state we are living in. How are we using our gifts? Do we know all of our gifts? How are we living daily? Let’s forget the gifts for a minute. How do I love others? Jesus always slowed down when it came to dealing with relationships. There was nothing ever more important than stopping and addressing someone’s need to connect emotionally first and then spiritually. How am I doing at mimicking Jesus? How well do I connect emotionally? With strangers? I was convicted yesterday of not talking about Jesus enough to everyone around me. I would like to believe that those close to me know what I believe, but do I have the boldness to be curious about complete and total strangers? I struggle with this and use the excuse, “I’m not evangelistic!” Accurate as that may be, my spiritual gifting is not an evangelist, but it does not excuse talking to strangers. Be curious and find out what they believe. They were predestined for adoption as well. Again, His will is for all to come to a saving knowledge of who Jesus is.

What is my response?

Father, I fail you constantly. However, that doesn’t change the love you have for me. You want what is best for me and everyone who calls on the name of Jesus. I don’t share my faith enough. I don’t talk to those that I don’t know. I need to trust you in this. Is it the fear of rejection? How could someone reject me if I’m not looking for approval? I want to be curious about them. We all want to be known and loved and feel like we belong. I need to foster that in my daily routines. That’s how you made us. If I am to lead leaders, I acknowledge my weak areas. Asking for help. Then, go and serve others. Leaders are FILO. The first one’s in, and the last one’s out of any situation. Their eyes are up, looking for an opportunity to fulfill a need. They don’t mind slowing down and connecting emotionally to a complete stranger. Lord, I want to live out my life that reflects Jesus 24/7. I know I will fail, but more importantly, I know You will always be with me. Amen.