Our inheritance in Christ
“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)
Our verse this week is a specific reminder of one of the blessings we receive as children of God: We are his heirs.
Family inheritance can be a divisive issue because family members do not always like or agree with the way the inheritance is divided. There are many stories of family members not speaking to one another because of the hard feelings created by the will.
No one can argue about inheritance God gives to us because God gives each one of us the exact same inheritance. Everyone looks forward to the second part of that inheritance; people are not always thrilled about the first part of that inheritance.
The second part of the inheritance is living with God forever in the perfect glories of heaven “that we may also share in his glory.” That is the goal and desire of every Christian. Sometimes Christians wish they could receive that part of the inheritance sooner rather than later.
The first part of our inheritance as Christians is not quite so glorious. It is the sufferings and challenges we face and endure here on earth — “if indeed we share in his sufferings.” Paul reminds us we cannot get the glories of heaven without first enduring the pains of living here on earth. Sadly, there are some who get so discouraged by the trials they face here on earth that they despair and might rob themselves of the inheritance of heaven by cutting short their lives in a way that is not God-pleasing. TLHA is currently helping address the issue of those who despair of their pain and suffering and seek a way out through assisted suicide. We have joined others in Minnesota to defeat measures to legalize this barbaric idea and instead provide more resources for hospice and palliative care.
Perhaps you have opportunities to encourage and support someone who is sharing in the sufferings of Christ. It is all too easy to pass by such an opportunity and make the excuse that someone else can do it. We may be the only one who has the hope to share or the opportunity to share. What a shame if we neglect the opportunity!
Another blessing of being a child of God is that you have the opportunity to encourage and build up our brothers and sisters in Christ. This role as a child of God is not always glorious and does not give us a higher reward in heaven. But if you have ever had the opportunity to encourage or support a suffering person, you know that there is a special blessing and privilege to serve in this way.
God bless you as you live in love with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in the midst of earthly trials and look forward to the perfect glories of heaven!