Shaun Groves

Shaun Groves, in a recent blog post, asks the question "Individual (only a select few are supposed to do it) or universal (every Christian who isn’t nuts or destitute should do it)?"

Here's the background...

What if God’s will comes in two brands: Individual and Universal.

The first answers the questions we’re asking: What should I study? Who should I marry? Where should I live? God’s individual will is for my life only. It’s often grainy, hard to get at, often not making sense until in hindsight.

The universal will of God answers the questions God most wants us to ask. Care for your enemies. Don’t steal. Take only your daily bread. God’s universal will applies to all Christians everywhere, regardless of age, denominational bent or nationality. God’s universal will is frighteningly clear much of the time, hard to wriggle around.

God wills that some Christians get married (individual will) but that every Christian respect and protect marriage (universal will).

God wills that some Christians move to Africa (individual will) but that every Christian care for the poor in some way (universal will).

God wills that some Christians become teachers (individual will) but that every Christian pass on what they know about God to others (universal will).

So where does adoption fall?

Individual (only a select few are supposed to do it) or universal (every Christian who isn’t nuts or destitute should do it)?

I'll attempt to give my answer to the question. Though, I do have a substantial caveat. I struggle with the concept of an "individual will" of God. I won't go into that here. For more information about that, check out Greg Koukul's "Decision Making and the Will of God." At $10, it's a little of an investment, but well worth it.

So... My Answer:
Both.

My good friend Dennis said to me "Adoption is not for every Christian family, but is something that every Christian family should consider." Now, we are called to care for orphans (James 1:27), but does that mean that as a Christian, I'm automatically called to adopt? No. Yes, there clearly are some who are to adopt -- an that greatly honors God. (If you are considering adopting, check out this list of "diagnostic questions" prepared by my church.)

But, what about the rest. Christians should be involved in orphan care. That can take on as many different forms as there are Christians, but be involved. What does this look like? Here's some ideas...

• Foster Care
• Respite Care (For Foster Care families)
• Financially supporting an Adoption Agency
• Financially supporting a couple who is adopting
• Helping at a Crisis Pregnancy Center
• Helping a foster care family buy clothes for their foster kids
• Pray for orphans, foster care families, and families adopting
• Learn about the Doctrine of Adoption
• Volunteer at a Rescue Mission

There are countless ways to, being motivated by grace, care for orphans. So, adoption is for all to consider and some to do, but caring for orphans is for all to do.