I get that! I watch the numbers constantly. We have many policies and procedures in place to track every dime. We have close and closely monitored relationships with all of our adoption partners -agencies and attorneys. When something unusual happens we start asking questions…expecting answers.
Paul understood the temptations, perceptions and the human “psychology” of money. When he sent Titus to accompany the monetary gift from Macedonia he said it was, “to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.” [2 Corinthians 8:20]. He goes on to explain the reason behind this decision, “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” [2 Corinthians 8:21]
People are FUNNY [not as in Hah…Hah] about money. Money for better or worse reflects a system, a cultural norm of VALUE and VALUES. I’ve heard that Jesus said more about the subject of money than he did about any other topic. Basically His teaching about MONEY comes down to three categories:
- How do you get it
- What you do with it
- What it does to you
Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?
The Pharisees that asked Jesus this question had nothing but treachery in mind. They knew full well the question was not just a legal question but a question of values…in this case purported religious values. Is it lawful for God’s people to pay tribute-taxes to a pagan? It was meant to alienate and infuriate the audience Jesus was trying to teach.
The answer was so profound. Give Caesar what bears his image, give Caesar what he values, give Caesar what he considers his due. Money. But…you give God what bears His image, you give God what He values, you give God what is His due…all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. God values the person, the being He created in His image, the being He sent His Son to die for and the object of His loving kindness.
So when someone asks “Why does adoption cost so much”, I can explain it in one of two ways – where the money goes or why God would say “Give the attorneys what belongs to them”, I want the child that belongs to Me. The world wants – requires the money and God wants what is created in His image. I suspect He’ll take that deal every day.
I can tell you how much an adoption cost, I can tell you why an adoption costs so much but only you can determine the value of what it costs. We can easily drop $30,000 for a car and we all know that unless it becomes a “classic” all cars only decrease in value the moment it leaves the dealer’s lot. On the other hand a child adopted for the same cost only becomes more valued, more precious more filled with hope and joy each year and adds more meaning to many of our relationships. It is likewise especially true when seen from God’s and Jesus’ perspective as they have demonstrated in many times and ways how much they value and love little children. “For it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:14.
In the same chapter, Matthew 18 Jesus warns His audience, “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones…” In this context the word despise can mean to look down on or count of no value. If we do not blink at $30,000 for a car, how should we perceive the cost when we have a chance to invest in the opportunity to save a child and provide him or her with a loving Christian home.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 16:19-21
Do not be ignorant or deceived, on judgement day our lives will be measured by how we fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, cared for the sick, took in the stranger and visited those in prison. [Matthew 25:31-46]
Whether those in such conditions were great or small, in as much as we did this for the least of these we did it for the Savior. When you adopt or when you help support an adoption you are participating and helping in each of these areas.
