Chapstick or Riches

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:17

When my daughter was four, she asked my husband, “Daddy, what is an inheritance?” He explained that everything that was Mommy’s and Daddy’s would be hers one day. She sat quietly for a minute and then responded, “Does that mean that one day I will get your chapstick?” Her daddy’s chapstick was the thing she cherished most. Now that she is older and wiser, I wonder if she would be satisfied with only his chapstick?

For what are you longing and would that be considered chapstick in the eyes of God?

God has guaranteed His children a wonderful inheritance. In fact, God has declared: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9). Through faith in Jesus, we become heirs of God and co-heirs with Jesus. I can’t comprehend that statement! Can you? 

Paul prayed for the Ephesian church: I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know… the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints… (Ephesians 1:18-19). Paul prayed that the Holy Spirit would shed light on our inner beings, giving us understanding of how gloriously rich we are in Jesus! Believer, are you living like a child of the King, who owns everything? (Psalm 24:1)  

Lest, our minds wander to material possessions, God has promised us far greater. Unlike earthly possessions, our inheritance is eternal. It will never spoil or fade. (1 Peter 1:4) Our inheritance from God is what we are designed for in Him. It is what our souls long for, even though we might not realize it.

Lord, remove our longing for that which is equivalent to chapstick. Give us understanding through your Spirit and your Word of all that is ours in Jesus. Help us live in light of your riches! 

Jan Burkhart