What is at the top of my ‘treasure list’?

 

Last night I tidied my studio. I have a wall of shelving full of fabric. When I look at it, two thoughts come to mind. One is the lament of many quilters: I will not live long enough to use it all. The other is a remark my son made when he last saw it: “Mom, when you die, what am I supposed to do with all this fabric?”

Since fabric is part of my creative passion, I need to guard my attitude toward it. I know that despite the benefits of money and our worldly possessions, everything I own is eventually lost. If someone doesn’t steal it, or if it doesn’t lose its value, or it never get used to make a charity quilt, death will separate all that fabric from me. That’s why Jesus said,

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. (Matthew 6:19–20)

Today’ devotional states it plainly: unlike earthly treasures, our eternal inheritance can never be taken away from us.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:3–4)

MacArthur connects this distinction between earthly possessions and my eternal inheritance to sin. Without sin, he suggests this futility may not exist.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. (Romans 8:20–22)

Again, he repeats that my eternal inheritance is not like earthly treasures. It is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for me. The words used here describe a land that had never been ravaged or plundered by an invading army, meaning that my spiritual inheritance is secure and can never be violated by an intruder—not even Satan himself. That invasion began in Eden and was defeated at Calvary. We wait until our victory is fulfilled.

“Undefiled” speaks of something unpolluted by sin. “Will not fade away” suggests a supernatural beauty that time cannot impair. Peter used the same word in 1 Peter 5:4 to speak of the unfading crown of glory faithful church leaders will receive when Christ returns. “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4)

My eternal inheritance is unique. Unlike my fabric or any other possessions, no one can steal it, it cannot rot or burn up, and nothing can ruin it or diminish it in any way. It’s mine to enjoy to its fullest throughout all eternity. While the pursuit of perishable things can be a distraction from the joy of eternal riches, thinking about eternity keeps me from getting in a tizzy about ‘using up all that fabric.’ God’s plan lasts far longer than anything I can create or do while here on earth. This truth helps me keep my perspective and keeps me from using that pile of color and cloth as an excuse for ‘no time’ for prayer and doing whatever else God asks.

PRAY: Lord, You are excellent in keeping me focused. I’ve fought a bit of ADHD most of my life, but You have taken care of it by putting Yourself first in my heart. I’m so thankful that You continually remind me of what is the most value to You and what will last for eternity.

PONDER: I read Matthew 6:19-34 and realize how God has proven the truth of verse 33 by insisting I focus on Him instead of all the other things that try to capture my attention. Again, I am so thankful.

 

 

 

My Inheritance

 

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will . . .  (Ephesians 1:7–11)

According to His last will and testament, when Jesus died He left to me an inheritance . . . it reads like today’s legal documents which likely got their wording from the NT.

Yesterday we visited a niece who married a young man who became involved in buying and selling one of earth’s commodities. This seemed without much future with the world’s emphasis to stop depleting natural resources and replacing them with other things, but he picked a winner. We don’t know his personal worth, but their luxurious home is huge, under a total remodel, and sits on two acres of realistic artificial turf with elegant landscaping. Three double garages and the tasteful interior ensure their only son of a grand inheritance, even if they sell this home and go for something bigger and better.

We felt comfortable there. The niece seems unaffected by their wealth. Their son is in university, smart yet thoughtful and considerate. Of our many close relatives, these are definitely at the top of the ‘have money’ list but also up there on the ‘nice people’ list.

Today’s devotional gives this statement as its first line: “As a member of God’s family, you have obtained a future inheritance that has many present benefits.” It made me smile. While the opulence of yesterday didn’t fill me with envy, this statement puts it in perspective. Even the greatest of what we earn or fall heir to here on earth is nothing compared to what is ours in heaven promised by the grace of God through faith in Christ.

An inheritance is received as the result of a will or a legal process, a legacy from family connections. I am a member of God’s family; His will and testament tell me this:

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:16–17)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:3–4)

Today’s devotional points out a significant statement; possession of this inheritance is referred to in the past tense. Even though its fullness will not be experienced until I am in the Lord’s presence — it is so certain that Ephesians 1:11 (above) refers to it as if I already have it! As 1 Corinthians 3:22–23 says “ . . . all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.”

This means I inherit Christ, the Holy Spirit, peace, and love, grace, wisdom, joy, victory, strength, guidance, mercy, forgiveness, righteousness, discernment, and all spiritual benefits that come from God. This explains one of the reasons material goods, while lovely and can be enjoyed, are nothing compared to peace, joy, and total contentment as a child of God and in His care. I’ve often quoted my mom, “We must need it or we wouldn’t be getting it” but the other side of that is also true: “If I need it, God will get it for me.” Romans 8:32 says: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

Lord, I’m seeing how aging often produces desire for a simpler life, and with that desire, purging starts. For me, the realization that none of it will go with me is motivation to give whatever is not used or needed to someone who will use it or need it. Oddly, I notice that less stuff means more focus on my eternal inheritance, and a greater sense of what is really valuable. Thank you for contentment and for joy that does not depend on things that will not last but on my inheritance that will last forever!

READ Psalm 136. While this speaks of God’s blessings to Israel, thank God for how He has shown His love in the inheritance He gives all His children.