CAFA Funding

Should Christians Fund Adoptions?

Every Christian is responsible to God for the use of the resources he has entrusted to them. The parable of the talents that Jesus told in Matthew 25:14-30 shows that God is actually looking for a return or increase on what he gives to his servants, us. In fact, scripture makes clear that as believers we actually “own” nothing, but are instead, stewards of what actually belongs to God. The scripture says, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1). Any wealth or belongings we have “earned” only come form the ability given by God anyway (Deuteronomy 8:18). By becoming Christians we ourselves (and therefore all we have) have been bought by God, thus, the Bible says we are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). In light of this, what should I do with my time, my talents/abilities and my treasure/resources that will yield an eternal increase? Jesus commands us, “Do not lay up treasures for yourselves on earth . . . but lay up treasures for yourselves in heaven . . .” (Matthew 6:19-20). God expects his children to use his money in ways that will have eternal benefits, that is, treasure in heaven. As stewards we will one day give an account to God (Romans 14:10,12).

The Old Testament reveals God’s concern for the orphan and widow and that he expects his people to provide for these vulnerable and disenfranchised segments of society. There are some 40 scriptures that address the issue of the fatherless. Some examples:

- Psalm 10:14, God is the “helper of the orphan.”
- Psalm 10:18, God will “vindicate the orphan and oppressed.”
- Psalm 82:3, God commands his people to, “vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute.”
- Deuteronomy 10:18, God “executes justice for the fatherless.”
- Deuteronomy 27:19, “Cursed is the man who withholds justice from the fatherless.”
- Hosea 14:3, “in you (God) the fatherless find compassion.”

It might be tempting to think, “That’s Old Testament, not for me today”, until we read James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” God’s people then and God’s people now must actively care for the fatherless. In fact, the Greek word translated “to visit” or “to care for” is used elsewhere in scripture of the shepherd tending to, watching over, giving close attention to and taking responsibility for his sheep. It seems evident that Christians have an obligation to come to the aid of orphans today.

Many thousands of followers of Christ have heard God speaking to them about “caring for” an orphan through adoption. Adoption is a kingdom activity. It is also, unfortunately, very expensive; often beyond the financial reach of the average couple.

Which brings us to the original question, “Should Christians fund adoptions?” The answer is clearly, “Yes”. Someone might ask, “But if God wants someone to adopt won’t he provide them the resources?” Yes, he will and quite often his provision comes through his own people! 2 Corinthians 8:14-15 shows this principle, “at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality; as it is written, ‘He who gathered much did not have too much and he who gathered little had no lack.’” God gives plenty to some of his children in order to supply the needs of his other children who have less. Our money is not our own, but God’s, to be used in support of his purposes and plans. Caring for orphans through adoption is one cause that is very close to the heart of the Father!

As stewards of his wealth we must make choices of where to invest resources for the greatest eternal return. By funding adoption we are clearly investing in something that will yield fruit both now and in eternity!

CAFA exists to promote adoption within the Christian community through inspiration, education, and provision. Join us.