Perceptions #200408

Borrowing From Our Inheritance

by Jerry Hodge

I remember a story that Ira North used to tell about his father. Apparently his father wanted a new pickup truck but he wasn't willing to pay the price for it. His son Ira wanted to buy the pickup for him but he was unable to pay the price. When Mr. North's birthday arrived Ira blindfolded his dad and led him outside to the driveway. When his father opened his eyes he saw this beautiful pickup truck with a bow on the hood. The proud son said, "Happy birthday, Dad. I hope you enjoy it." Mr. North proudly sat in his new truck and thanked his son. It was the best birthday present ever! As they walked back into the house Ira said, "Dad you're going to get a bill at the end of the month. Don't worry about it - just pay it! You can deduct the cost from my inheritance."

As Ira told the story he said that tears came to his father's eyes when he told his son, "Don't buy me anything else." An inheritance can help us to do more today because of a promised tomorrow. I think this is what Paul had in mind when he wrote to the Ephesians. Ephesus was an established church that somehow forgot their blessings in Christ. So Paul writes, "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and his incomparably great power for us who believe."

Paul is teaching us about our position in Christ. We are children of God. We are part of a family. We are citizens of heaven. He is also teaching us about our immediate benefit for a future blessing. Since we have the security of our inheritance we can live above the circumstance. We can go the extra mile and turn the other cheek. We can live borrowing from our inheritance.

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