Inheritance is a word that stirs hope in many hearts. Families hand down land, property, businesses, or money to their children as a mark of love and continuity. Yet, while inheritance may be a blessing, not all inheritances carry the same weight or value. Scripture helps us see the contrast between what is passed down on earth and what God has reserved for His children in heaven.
Let us look at both side by side.
Earthly inheritance
1. It is temporary.
No matter how vast, earthly possessions eventually run out, lose value, or change ownership. Money is spent, land can be sold, houses decay, and businesses may collapse. Proverbs 23:5 warns, “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Depending on them is like leaning on a broken reed—unstable and unreliable.
2. It can create idleness.
When a person builds their life only on what they expect to receive, it often weakens their drive to labor, innovate, and grow. Many inheritances have been wasted because those who received them never learned diligence. Proverbs 20:21 says, “An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.”
3. It brings uncertainty.
Earthly inheritance is never guaranteed. Legal disputes, poor management, unexpected losses, or even corruption can strip it away. What seems secure today may be gone tomorrow.
4. It shapes character negatively when over-relied on.
If a person’s hope is rooted in material inheritance, pride, entitlement, or greed often follows. And when expectations are disappointed, it can lead to bitterness and despair.
Heavenly inheritance
1. It is eternal.
Unlike earthly riches, the believer’s inheritance is described in 1 Peter 1:4 as “incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” This is not a fading treasure but an eternal reality, untouched by decay or loss.
2. It inspires diligence.
Far from making Christians lazy, the hope of heaven strengthens us to endure trials and remain faithful. We work diligently in service to God and humanity because we know that our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
3. It is guaranteed by God.
Unlike earthly wealth, which can be lost or stolen, heavenly inheritance is kept secure by the power of God. Jesus assures us in Matthew 6:20 that treasures laid up in heaven cannot be destroyed by moth or rust and cannot be stolen by thieves.
4. It shapes character positively.
When our hearts are set on heaven, we become more generous, humble, and holy. We loosen our grip on material things and live with eternity in view. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
The Effects
The effects of these two inheritances are clear:
Depending on earthly inheritance often leads to idleness, misplaced priorities, and eventual emptiness.
Depending on heavenly inheritance produces faith, endurance, and a lifestyle that reflects Christ.
Earthly riches can give temporary comfort, but they cannot guarantee peace or eternal security. Heavenly inheritance, however, gives lasting hope, strength for today, and assurance for eternity.
Conclusion
Both inheritances exist, but only one is reliable. Earthly inheritance may support us for a time, but it fades. Heavenly inheritance sustains us forever. The call of Scripture is not to despise earthly blessings, but never to rely on them as our foundation. Our anchor must remain in Christ, who has secured for us an inheritance incorruptible.
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