Joint-heirs with Christ

This is a devotional that I receive each day that I really enjoyed. I love the imagery. Hope you do too.

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." (Romans 8:17 NIV)

Imagine you have just been informed that you have inherited a multi-level mansion equipped with every conceivable treasure. You run up the curving brick sidewalk, throw open the massive oak doors, and excitedly run from room to room hardly believing the good fortune bequeathed to you! However, what you discover are not the surroundings fit for a queen that you expected, but sensible chambers, adequately furnished and sparsely decorated.
In the foyer, a beautifully carved winding staircase, adorned with plush crimson carpet, beckons you to climb to the next level. You consider the steps, look back over your shoulder and decide, "Hey, the lower level's enough for me. Besides, I'm afraid of heights. I'll just stay down here where it's safe."Unbeknownst to you, the upper levels house all the treasures intended to become your inheritance, and you're standing in the servants' quarters. Upstairs awaits a golden gilded ballroom, a chandeliered dining hall, four poster beds with down filled mattresses, a safe filled with enough gold and silver to last a lifetime, and a jewelry box brimming with family heirlooms. All that stands between you and these treasures is the staircase. What keeps you on ground level - contentment with mediocrity, lack of knowledge, or a fear of the unknown?
We all have an inheritance from our heavenly Father. We are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. But often times we spend our days in the servants' quarters, never climbing the stairs to where the true riches are stored. We can move forward with confidence knowing that in whatever He calls us to do He will provide what we need. He doesn't necessarily call the qualified, but He qualifies the called. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing, joint-heirs with Christ, and given the Holy Spirit as a down payment - and that's only the start.

Dear Lord, forgive me for living like a spiritual pauper when I am a child of the King. Thank You that You have given me everything I need to live a life of godliness and truth. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will fill me anew today and open my eyes to the blessings that surround me on every side. In Jesus' name, Amen.