Wasted Faith – The Presidential Prayer Team

So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. – Hebrews 6:12

How do the words “squandered inheritance” strike you? It is not new news that 70% of high-net-worth families lose their fortune within the second generation. Everyone, from titled royalty to barons of business, has watched their hard work and sacrifice wasted by heirs that simply could not handle the magnitude of their gift.

On a spiritual level, if you are a dedicated follower of Christ, you have an inheritance that is staggering. Christ’s sacrificial death gave you the keys to freedom from enslaving sin and power over every scheme of evil. Yet God’s rich children face a dilemma similar to great wealth inheritors on Earth; what to do with such an extravagant bequest?

There is no need to be overwhelmed. Your gift came with a lineage of people to show you how to put your resources to good use. Is there a particular Bible character or maybe a faithful person you happen to know who inspires you? You can learn from their life and actions and imitate them in your own way. Remember, imitation is a form of honor in both the world and God’s kingdom. You can do difficult and holy things, but you do not have to re-invent the wheel in the process! Look and learn from those that have served God well in the past. The apostle Paul said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Pray Americans will not waste the heritage of faith that founded the nation. Ask that citizens and leaders alike will invest God’s gifts and resources well to reach a hurting world with the testimony of Christ.

Today’s Verse: Hebrews 6:12

so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: John 13:12-17

¹²When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? ¹³You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. ¹⁴If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. ¹⁶Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.