The Inheritance of Obedience
Our obedience is more than the whisper of our one-word “yes.”
It goes deeper than our mindset of agreement with what is being asked of us.
While I agree that being obedient requires us to be active in surrendering our lives, seeking God daily, and paying attention to the needs around us, there is also much that we do not see on this spiritual side of heaven.
Ephesians 1:11-12 in the New King James Version says,
“11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.”
As we consider this passage, let’s explore what God says about the foundations of our surrendered calling.
We Have Received an Inheritance
Our obedience doesn’t begin with the exciting and sometimes scary things God calls us to. Our obedience started the moment we said yes to Christ.
And it was in that beautiful moment, that we instantly became heirs with Christ as we were welcomed into God’s family.
So, what does our inheritance include?
I would venture to say that it goes further than the incredible work of the Cross. Yes, because of Jesus, we have eternal life and have been restored from our past life of sin. But we have also inherited the Holy Spirit, which enables us to boldly commit and step into the hard work God is calling us to.
The Inheritance of the Holy Spirit
Jesus is our most significant example of obedience. While fully man and fully God, He endured the pains and circumstances of life on earth. And despite the trials and sufferings, Jesus showed us what it looks like to partner with the Holy Spirit.
We are also promised the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. Therefore, this beautiful transaction at the time of salvation allows the Spirit to guide, convict, and bring heavenly revelation to us as we live a life of truth.
The Inheritance of Our Testimony
Often our obedience doesn’t involve an extraordinary event – no fanfare or celebratory occasion recognizing our decision.
Our obedience may involve a quiet surrender to God while praying with a friend over coffee. Or perhaps a small gesture of love and kindness towards a person in need.
Whatever the circumstance surrounding our surrender, the inheritance of our testimony is demonstrated as we live a changed life in Christ – a life that reflects the goodness, mercy, and love of Christ.
Our testimony is simply God’s testimony, and when we share Him with others in the midst of everyday life, He receives all the praise and glory. And while the obedience of stepping into our inheritance may not always seem extravagant, it is significant to our Heavenly Father.
My dear friend, any time we do something as if we are doing it unto Christ, it is a pleasing incense that surrounds the throne of heaven. And there is no sweeter fragrance than God seeing His children step into who they are and whose they are in Christ.
Keep on shining!
