The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Inheritance - Is it Really Mine?
PUBLISHED: April 10, 2008
Last year I received a small portion of inheritance from an aunt and uncle.† I'm very grateful for what I received.† I realize I didn't earn or deserve any of it.
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It's amazing, though, the hard feelings that inheritance can cause.† Disputes and jealousy over inheritance can break up families and leave lasting wounds in relationships.† This is ridiculous, when you look at it rationally, since by its very definition an inheritance is something that a person does not deserve.† Oh, it's true that each society's customs tend to dictate how an inheritance is to be distributed; it's also true that some people place conditions and demands on those who will receive their inheritance.† But in the end an inheritance is a gift rather than something earned.† I would not have been unhappy if my brother, who took care of my aunt and uncle the last couple years of their life, had received everything; on the other hand, my brother was not at all unhappy that I received something as well.The Bible sometimes refers to heaven and eternal life as an inheritance that the Lord bestows on His people.† In order to do this, He first had to make us His children, so that we could become His heirs.† He made it possible for us to become His children by sending His only true Son, Jesus Christ.† Then, He adopts each individual into His family by bringing them to faith in His Son.† Those who become adopted automatically become His heirs.
We will not enjoy the ultimate inheritance until this life is over. †But it is guaranteed.† The Bible says, "In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4-5).† No one can take that away from us, and no one has to fight about it, since each believer in Jesus Christ has that same inheritance to look forward to.
It's a great feeling to receive an inheritance on this earth, no matter how large or small it is.† But whether you ever receive anything here or not, with faith in Jesus Christ you can look forward to an inheritance in heaven that will put every earthly thing to shame.
Mark Porinsky is the pastor at Faith Lutheran Church, 9575 North Territorial Road, Dexter. The Web site is www.faithdexter.org
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