An Imperishable Inheritance October 12, 2015

1 Peter 1:3-5      Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Corinthians 15:20     But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

2 Corinthians 1:3     Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

Galatians 6:16     Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule--to the Israel of God.

2 Thessalonians 2:16     May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,

Titus 3:5     he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

Human beings have a fundamental need to feel safe and secure. But whenever we base our sense of security on the things of this world, we can expect disappointment. This is especially true when it comes to our finances. We are living in very uncertain times of high unemployment and diminishing retirement accounts. Our money and belongings can disappear no matter how carefully we plan and try to guard them. That’s why remembering our eternal future is so important.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that believers have an inheritance that never depreciates and cannot be stolen? It was given to us when we placed our hope in Jesus Christ and will never be taken away because it’s reserved and protected for us in heaven. Someday, when we see Jesus face to face, we’ll enjoy all the riches of God’s grace and receive the fullness of our inheritance.

But did you know that every day we live on this earth, we have an opportunity to build up that inheritance by investing in things the Lord values and credits to our account? That’s what Jesus was talking about when He said, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:20). Whenever we live righteously in obedience to God, we’re laying up good works and adding to the treasure that awaits us.

Are you more concerned with investments in this life than with everlasting riches? It is very easy to let daily demands and responsibilities overshadow the importance of building eternal prosperity. Take time each day to refocus your mind and heart. Then start storing up wealth of lasting value.