Estate Planning, by the Master
Here’s an important message from a businessman. He knows money, but he knows God better. His words need to be taken to heart. Read them carefully. -Editor
For some time now, I have been dealing with the issue of protecting my children’s and their children’s inheritance. It is called estate planning. I have dealt with lawyers, insurance agents, trust managers, financial planners and others. We have dealt with all types of wills, living trusts, irrevocable trusts, insurance policies, annuities and even trusts within a trust. Caesar makes you work hard to avoid rendering anything extra to him (Matt. 22:21). There are probate fees, income tax, and estate tax considerations. Avoiding them all is a difficult and daunting task.
In the midst of this turmoil, I was reminded of the estate planning that had been done for me. In a word, it was the most complete and perfect that had ever been done for anyone. It is without any oversights or weaknesses. I’m speaking, of course, of the inheritance (Heb. 9:15) my Heavenly Father has provided for me.
If there was ever a living trust (1 Tim. 4:10), I am the beneficiary of one. The Living God could do no other. The word “trust” is personified in Him far beyond any application in our world. Think about it. It is totally dependent upon the issuing authority, God Himself. He paid for it all. I contribute nothing. My Length of days has no effect on the settlement. There are no premiums, much less any taxes to pay.
In a day of business failures being the rule, there are no concerns about the viability of the issuer (1 Pet. 1:4). Is it inclusive and fair? Since it provides for an eternity (Titus 1:2) without diminishment of any kind, it is certainly complete. I don’t think the word “fair” applies, since there is no way I could ever deserve being a joint heir (equal portion) (Rom. 8:17) with God’s Son, yet that is what I’m guaranteed.
Why do I have all this? Because I am represented before Heaven’s bar, by the supreme advocate ( 1 John 2:1), Jesus Christ my Savior. He possesses the necessary credentials to represent me. His work will never need revision or careful interpretation. It is not subject to any other authority and is totally irrevocable by any of the parties thereto (John 10:28). No government manipulation can ever have any adverse effect on it.
May I humbly suggest that you consider turning over all of your eternal plans to One who is alone able to deliver (Gal. 1:4) perfectly for always? The mansions (John 14:2) are being readied as you read this!
