Living With an Inheritance

As a young person, I used to wonder how it would be to "be rich" and know you have an inheritance. I think it was about the time that Queen Elizabeth became a princess and her father crowned king of England and magazines and newspapers were full of their new lifestyle. My father showed me a scripture that changed my concept of being rich. Ephesians 1:13-14(NASB) 13In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Listen to Jesus' word as related by Luke. Luke 11:9-13(NLT) 9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12 Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

In learning to seek, we also have to learn to live with the wealth that is ours in Him. In seeking, and in the confidence of finding, we not only have to refuse to become contented with what we have received and keep on seeking, we have to learn to appreciate what we have. There is a big difference in thinking we have "received it all" and so rest contented, and being appreciative of all we have received, while seeking more of God. I am so thankful that God has given us a part of our inheritance now. The Holy Spirit is true riches! We are rich while becoming richer! Not only is He our Teacher, He fills us with the awareness of who we are in Christ Jesus. Our inheritance is not just for the rest of our lives on earth, but for all eternity. We are the evidence of God's desire to make man "in Our image."

We must learn to live with such an inheritance. Live as His children, not paupers, but rich in His wealth. Be filled with all He longs to give you. Show who is your Father and your place in His Family by being radiant with His love, His mercy, and His forgiveness. All the wealth of His storehouse is yours. All Jesus paid for is laid up in that storehouse. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to take what Jesus has won for you and manifest it into you and through you.

Walk in His peace and in His joy. Jesus spoke it into this realm while here and it is yours for the finding.