5 For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. (NIV)
One of my favorite bumper stickers is usually seen adorning the rear of a sports car or an R.V. and reads, “We’re spending our kid’s inheritance.” I guess I’ve always liked it for two reasons (besides the fact that it’s funny): First, it applauds enjoying life now. In my opinion, too many people are waiting for that elusive day when they’ve dotted the last of their “i’s” and crossed their final “t” to start living life. I’m very much a carpe diem type of guy. Second, its message flies in the face of the idea that we ought to leave our wealth, if we have any, to our children so they won’t have to work as hard as we did. Sure, we all want our kids to have a good life, but a financial inheritance doesn’t guarantee that. Besides, in today’s passage the psalmist is not speaking of wealth regarding the bequest he’s received from God. Heritage includes both inheriting the land promised to God’s chosen people and the enjoyment of the benefits from living the covenant life. When you consider the blessings of being a child of God, a follower of Christ, you can’t put a price tag on forgiveness, joy, God’s kingdom, eternal life and living a life full of grace. They are treasures beyond value. Which would you rather bequeath to your children, friends and neighbors – money which will flow like water through a sieve or faith that will have an eternal impact on countless lives? Spend your inheritance, but leave behind a legacy.
No comments:
Post a Comment