Do you wish you had more? If you could have your inheritance now, would you take it? Have you contemplated asking for it? Do you take it a little at a time? Have you thought it spoils the effect of it being an inheritance? Does it feel like it is selfish to desire it now?
Inheritances can be great, or they can create division in a family. If there is no will that divides an estate according to the parent’s will, one child can create division with selfishness. A child can also demand a parent to continue to support them into adulthood, thereby reducing the inheritance.
When Jesus tells the parable about the son who requests his inheritance from his father, Jesus provides an example of a selfish child. We often like to scorn the son. We cast him in a horrible light. Make no mistake about it, he is being selfish. Yet, there are adult children who take advantage of their parents. Some will do so even when the parent is retired and limiting on a limited income.
Why does this happen? Good parents want to give to their children, no matter the age. As a parent, we do not want to see our children go without. So, we give, even when we don’t really have it to give. The father in the parable had plenty to give. Yet, according to custom, it was not the time to divide his property. But he did it anyway.
God is like the father. He is like a good parent. He loves his children so much that he continues to give, even when they are being selfish. He loves his children enough to welcome them back when they return. Because God is so loving and welcoming, we all should be seeking to love him back in the same way.
I pray we all know the God loves us tremendously. I pray we know he will always welcome us into his arms. I pray each one of us will love God in the same way he loves us, giving up our selfishness. Know that God loves you. Know that God’s arms are open wide. Love God in return.
Luke 15:11-12 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the wealth that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them.”
Marty Pressey 