Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.~Psalm 37:18 NLT
Nothing lasts forever—or so it seems. But what about an unfading inheritance?
Perishable Inheritances
Our small patio townhome was littered with family heirlooms. Among them was a washbasin, ice tongs, a corner shelf, a wall shelf, a china cabinet, war ration coupons, a high school ring, safe-driver pins, family Bibles, two vintage chairs, and a number of old pictures in antique wooden frames.
My wife and I cherish these family heirlooms and plan to leave them to our children when we’re dead and gone—or perhaps before. We hope they will cherish them and not sell them at a yard sale or call in an auctioneer. These heirlooms, along with other old things we’ve collected over the years, might be all the tangible things we have to leave.
Loving old things as I do, I lament the throw-away attitude that clings to most societies. I wonder where the antiques will be in the future. They will certainly be very old antiques. Manufacture quickly and cheaply is the order of the day. After all, when’s the last time we saw a fix-it shop that works on irons, toasters, microwaves, and other small appliances? Everything fades, but it fades faster now than it did in the past. I can’t help but wonder what tangible items my children and grandchildren will possess to leave behind for their posterity.
Imperishable Inheritances
But based on what the psalmist says, not all inheritances will fade away with time and use. There is an unfading inheritance that will last forever—an antique inheritance.
When we repent of our sins and seek God’s face, we receive the inheritance of forgiveness. Once forgiven, our sins will never be held against us again. Forgiveness doesn’t fade away, nor does God reinstate our sins and re-charge them to our account.
Our inheritance involves abundant life. Life is abundant not because of the multitude of things we possess—we may well live on the basics because of the inheritance we’ve received. We can live in a state of peace, knowing that all is well between the Creator and us. He has our lives under His control.
Additionally, we can enjoy a future element of our inheritance: heaven. A place with enough rooms to accommodate all who choose the same inheritance. A place where all things evil will be removed. A place where the inhabitants can worship their Creator and Savior for all eternity.
Latch on to the one thing that lasts forever: an unfading inheritance.
Martin Wiles lives in Greenwood, SC, and is the founder of Love Lines from God. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, pastor, and author. He serves as Managing Editor for both Christian Devotions and Vinewords.net and is an instructor for the Christian PEN (professional editor’s network). Wiles is a multi-published author. His most recent book, Hurt, Hope and Healing: 52 Devotions That Will Lead to Spiritual Health, is available on Amazon. He and his wife are parents of two and grandparents of seven. He can be contacted at [email protected].
Latest posts by Martin Wiles (see all)
- Devotions from Psalms Series: Unfading Inheritance - February 5, 2026
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