How should we respond when tempted to prioritize material wealth over spiritual inheritance? Setting the Scene “ ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his assets between them.” (Luke 15:12) • Jesus places us beside a real family. The younger son, impatient for wealth he has not earned, trades relationship for resources. • The father’s willingness to divide the estate is literal; the loss is immediate. The story is a mirror for every heart that weighs cash against communion with God. Recognizing the Temptation • Material wealth promises security, pleasure, and status—appeals as old as Eden. • Scripture warns that riches can choke spiritual life: “Guard yourselves from every kind of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15) • When we crave the “share of the estate” more than fellowship with the Father, we echo the younger son’s mistake. Why Spiritual Inheritance Surpasses Earthly Wealth • Eternal value: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20) • Unfading identity: “He has given us new birth into a living hope and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.” (1 Peter 1:3-4) • Deeper satisfaction: Earthly riches satisfy briefly; “You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:16) • Guaranteed provision: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) Practical Responses When Tempted 1. Re-center the mind • Set your thoughts “on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) • Memorize key verses about contentment (e.g., Hebrews 13:5). 2. Re-order priorities • Budget time and money to reflect kingdom values—generosity, missions, benevolence. • Evaluate purchases by asking, “Will this draw me closer to or farther from my Father?” 3. Reaffirm dependence on God • Fast from discretionary spending for a season to break habits of impulse and entitlement. • Testify regularly to God’s provision in personal conversation. 4. Replace greed with generosity • “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) • Give firstfruits, not leftovers (Proverbs 3:9-10). 5. Remain in community • Share accountability with believers who model eternal priorities (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Celebrate stories of faith over finance. Biblical Illustrations and Reinforcements • Moses “considered the reproach of Christ of greater value than the treasures of Egypt.” (Hebrews 11:26) • Esau traded birthright for a single meal (Genesis 25:29-34)—a cautionary parallel to the prodigal’s haste. • Rich young ruler walked away sorrowful (Luke 18:18-23); contrast with Zacchaeus, who met Jesus and released half his wealth to the poor (Luke 19:8). • Paul’s counsel: “Those who want to be rich fall into temptation… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10) Embracing the Father’s Offer Today • The Father still divides the estate when asked, yet He also waits on the porch, ready to restore any heart that repents. • True riches are found in His presence: “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” (Luke 15:31) • When tempted, remember whose child you are, recall the worth of your eternal inheritance, and run toward the Father instead of the far country. |
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