No Adults of God

I had cash in hand to pay for the used books I was buying, so I couldn't figure out why the lady at the thrift store asked me for identification. When I questioned her she said, “I wanted to see if you qualify for the senior discount.” 

Oh… 

That was my first “over 55” shopping conversation. But it hasn’t been my last. I think there may be a better way to get information (“Do you qualify for any discounts?”) but I am thankful to receive any financial favor based on the fact that I’m a ’57 model (It was a great year for Chevys and Jacksons). 

I’m much more grateful, however, that my age has no bearing on my status as a child of God. You can check your Bible if you’d like, but I’m confident you will never find the phrase adults of God. You will, however, find several passages referring to children of God.

• So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith… (Galatians 3:26). 
• Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God… (John 1:12). 
• For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption as children. And by him we cry, “Abba Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children (Romans 8:14-17). 

Based on these verses, I often introduce the work I do with Elder Orphan Care, a ministry to homeless elderly in Romania, by saying “I serve God’s older children.” 

I doubt that these photos are what you expect to see when you hear the phrase children of God, but in each case, these “seniors” came to faith in Christ, so they are most certainly children of God, because there are no adults of God! 

Thank God for Viorel Pasca, the Romanian pastor who took action in 2006 when he saw a newscast about homeless elderly who froze to death. Elder Orphan Care is now one of several ministries that helps Viorel care for hundreds of elderly and frail, including the precious souls in the collage who have become children of God since being rescued by Viorel. 

For more information about Elder Orphan Care visit www.elderorphancare.com 

Learn to do good; 

commit yourself to seeking justice. 

Make right for the world’s most vulnerable,

the oppressed, the orphaned, the widow (Isaiah 1:17).