“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. The Spirit you receive does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again, rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our sprit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings order that we ma also share in His glory.” (Romans 8:14-17 NIV)
I have been an heir and a co-heir before. Belonging to a family includes both challenges and benefits. When my earthly parents passed away, part of being their heir included dealing with their details: funeral arrangements, outstanding bills and legal entanglements, and the daunting task of property liquidation. Of course, the largest challenge as an heir is immediate and ongoing: the loss of a beloved parent is a lifelong adjustment.
As overwhelming as the challenges are, there are also amazing benefits in being an heir. My parents were both intelligent and talented people, I’ve received a sampling of their skills and intellect. They had a unique and interesting circle of friends: I’ve gained a few dynamic relationships. My dad loved antique automobiles, as a result I have a strange set of skills when it comes to identifying classic cars. My mom spent her life in the Word, I’ve grown a similar relationship with scripture. And they left a little money; as an heir, I’ve received a share.
The thing is, when we are heirs, we don’t get to pick and choose what responsibilities and benefits we prefer. Sons and daughters receive the challenges and blessings in equal stride. Paul tells us, we are now children of the living God. The Spirit testifies to this. And as sons and daughters, we are heirs. Heirs share in the suffering and the glory alike.
Inconveniently, as God’s offspring, all our suffering is on the front end. Sure, we gain glimpses of the glory to come, but for the most part we battle through the day to day details of temptation, trial and persecution. Our enemy identifies us as heirs and therefore does all he can to thwart us. We haven’t yet laid eyes on the land we’re inheriting or the family table we’ll feast at. We are still in the thick of the challenges and living by faith for most of the benefits. Scripture assures us, though. It is a blessing to belong to the family of God and call heaven our someday home.
“Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere: I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than dwell in the tents of the wicked… Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trust in You.” (Psalm 84:10,12)
Lord, we love You and we are learning to live confident of Your promises to us. Thank You for adoption. We are no longer orphans, now we are sons and daughters of the living God. Our spirits agree with this. Please give us grace as we embrace the sufferings included in our heirship. We trust our adoption and believe in the benefits yet to come. Strengthen our resolve as we live in accordance with Your family values in the this life with confidence in the one yet to come. Amen.