August / September 2015 - Vol. 81
CHALLENGES IN LIVING TOGETHER AS COMMUNITY

 Christ embracing
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An Inheritance Awaits  
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by Tom Caballes

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]” 
- 1 Peter 1:3–4

At times I ponder: what if I was a son of a very rich father, say Bill Gates, whose riches will seemingly never run out? What kind of life would I have lived? Obviously I would never worry about money. I would find a worthy cause to devote my life to. I would want to enjoy my riches too, but not waste it. I would like to help the needy.

How about you – what would you do if you were that rich? But then, guess what? We do have a heavenly Father that has unfading, infinite and imperishable riches! The Bible has full of promises of unfathomable treasures for those who follow God and remain faithful to the end. Are you aware of your eternal inheritance? Aren’t you excited about it? Do you anticipate it?

So What Do You Do as You Await Your Inheritance of Incomparable Value?

  1. Being a Christian is the best investment in life, because even if the costs sometimes are high, the dividends are out of this world. Is your life centered in Christ? Have you decided to leave all else behind and follow Him? Have you decided to follow Him to the end, come hell or high waters? If not, now is the time to do so. Think about it: what can compare with eternal life with God? Absolutely nothing.

  2. Start ‘putting on Jesus Christ’ now [See Romans 13:14]. God wants you to grow in the character of Christ now and be like Him in all things. God wants others to see Jesus in you.

  3. Do good by loving God and loving others in whatever situation you are in. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. [Galatians 6:9-10]

  4. Sometimes it is easier said than done, but you need to withstand challenges, trials and difficulties in this life because only those who complete the race wins the prize. So do not give up! Focus on the prize!

  5. Use your talent, time, money, and resources wisely, especially in building God’s Kingdom. Of course you want to enjoy life too as God’s sons and daughters; yet be mindful that you will also account for everything you will have done in this life one day. Have a balance in your life in this area.

  6. What is the best thing you can ever give to your friends and relatives? It is not money or riches. It is Jesus Christ Himself. If you give Jesus to others, they will also have the same infinite inheritance that you will have. A relationship with Jesus is one gift you can freely give to others without lessening any of your own. Actually, the more you share Jesus to others, the more your eternal wealth will be!

  7. Start looking forward to your inheritance! Have you imagined life without pain, sorrow, sin and death? Have you imagined walking with God and seeing His face? Yearn for that day and time when this will happen – because in due time, it will, as long as we are faithful to the end.

Other Scripture passagees: 

  1. And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." [Mark 10:21]
  2. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him." [1 Corinthians 2:9]
  3. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. [Colossians 3:23-24]
  4. Other references: Matthew 13:44-46; Ephesians 1:13-19; Galatians 4:6-7 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

For personal reflection or group sharing

  1. How much is my life invested towards eternity?
  2. Am I reflecting the character of Jesus to others? In what way can I improve?

Tom Caballes is the National Senior Administrator and a National Coordinator of the Lamb of God, a community of the Sword of the Spirit with 7 branches located throughout New Zealand. Tom also leads Kairos New Zealand, an outreach program for high school, university, and post-university aged people. 

Tom and his wife Mhel and their two daughters live in Wellington, New Zealand.

 

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