Placing Our Affections in the Right Place
Are you living in light of your eternal inheritance?
In searching for understanding and fulfillment, many in the world turn to various philosophies and ideologies, seeking a way to navigate and explain the complexities of life. Yet, amidst all the voices and earthly wisdom, the Apostles' writing offers a beacon of light, particularly regarding our inheritance as God’s sons and daughters. As defined by the apostle Peter, this inheritance goes far beyond any earthly thing, providing a perspective that not only elevates our understanding of purpose but also redefines our priorities.
The Essence of Our Inheritance
1 Peter 1:3–4 says we are blessed by "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" who, in His "great mercy," has granted us "new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." This hope leads us to "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." Again, note the characteristics of what we will receive. It is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading and stands in definite contrast to the realities of our world, which is marked by decay, corruption, and the inevitable passage of time.
The essence of what we will receive is everything this world is not. It promises something far greater than anything we can accumulate or experience here. This eternal perspective is not merely about the afterlife; it's about how we live our lives here and now, shaping our values, priorities, and decisions.
The Call to Action
Recognizing the value and certainty of our inheritance prompts a response. In 1 Peter 1:13, Peter urges us to have our "minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." This is a call to seriousness in our spiritual pursuit, to live lives marked by faithfulness and obedience to God. We are to no longer live according to our former ways, influenced by ignorance and worldly desires, but to emulate the holiness of the one who called us (1 Peter 1:14-16).
The Challenge of Worldliness
Living up to this standard is challenging. The allure of the world is potent; its distractions numerous. From pursuing wealth and material possessions to the emotional investment in politics, sports, and entertainment, it's easy to get ensnared by the temporal, losing sight of the eternal. Peter warns that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly when the material world will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10). This inevitable reality challenges us to reconsider where we place our security and what we value most.
Storing Up Treasures in Heaven
Echoing Peter's sentiments, Jesus Himself admonishes us to invest in what is eternal. In Matthew 6:19-21, He instructs not to store up treasures on earth, susceptible to decay and theft, but to store them in heaven, where they are secure and everlasting. He explains that the location of our treasure indicates where our heart truly lies.
Reflection
The scriptural concept of inheritance is not just about the hope of a future reward; it's a call to a transformed life. It challenges us to evaluate our priorities, to discern what is truly valuable, and to live in a manner that reflects our eternal destination. As we navigate the distractions and temptations of this world, let us remember the imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance kept in heaven for us. Where is your heart today? Are you living in light of your eternal inheritance?