Imagine this scenario: after the passing of a grandparent, the one with whom you were the closest, you get the surprising news that you’ve inherited a very special gift. It may be something like your grandmother’s ornate diamond necklace which she received as an heirloom from her mother, and which she only took from the original velvet-covered case on the most special occasions. Or it might be your grandfather’s MVP ring from his professional sports days. It is a huge gold ring with a prominent diamond setting and his name engraved on the inside of the band. It, too, has always been kept in its original metal box with his team’s logo on the top, and was worn only to brag-worthy events. Treasures! Maybe not so much to anyone else, but because of the closeness of your relationship and knowing how carefully these pieces have been preserved, you are awestruck that one of these awesome family heirlooms has now passed to you for safekeeping.
That your loved one named you in their will and bequeathed something that carries such incredible heart attachment is humbling. Whether they are ever removed from their respective boxes, much less worn, is beside the point. The sentimental value is impossible to calculate. The giver is always present when the jewelry is pulled out of the drawer to be admired, or, of course, to be worn for that ‘brag-worthy’ occasion.
Believers in Jesus have inherited so much more than an heirloom, which while treasured, is lifeless and can provide the heir with nothing beyond its beauty and the joy of being chosen as its guardian. Jesus told his audience: ‘I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.’ John 10:10, KJV. Life more abundant! It is a gift that transforms, builds, strengthens. It’s a gift whose power and glory are limitless. It’s also a gift to be fully lived, to be celebrated, to be shared, to be given away with abandon, just like Jesus, our Exemplar, lived his.
To not live this life fully, to not celebrate it, to not share it, to not give it away with abandon, would be to to fail to appreciate what has been offered. It would be like knowing the benefits of staying active, exercising, even knowing where the local gym is, but not acting on it. Or, knowing proper nutrition, knowing what comprises a healthy meal, but choosing a steady diet of fast foods and other junk instead. Looking forward to seeing all you healthy and active abundant life pursuers tomorrow, 10 AM, 3 PM UK. PD
Don graduated from Regent University in 1988 and moved to France for seven years, coming back to the US briefly to marry Sue in 1990. The work in France included working in a Christian School and helping plant a church before returning in 1995. He’s been pastor of Peninsula Vineyard since 1999. He enjoys counseling, especially married couples, traveling back to France (with Sue), reading, doing Sudoku puzzles and sleuthing out good, dark chocolate. Don serves as the senior pastor of the Vineyard Church Peninsula, in Newport News, Virginia.