Inheriting land is a profound responsibility that often comes with both blessings and challenges. As we step into navigating land inheritance in 2024, let's explore this journey through the lens of scripture... seeking wisdom, guidance, and timeless principles to navigate the path ahead.

Let's look at 4 points to help us in 2024

1. The Biblical Perspective on Inheritance

There are endless scriptures on inheritance, emphasizing the significance of stewardship and the responsible use of our God-given resources. But for 2024, I'm finding inspiration and guidance specifically from Proverbs 13:22, which says "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children." It is our duty to not only manage what we've inherited for ourselves, or even our short term future, BUT for our grandchildren! Luckily this aligns perfectly with land management overall as a long-term plan and investment strategy. 

2. Understanding Your Stewardship Role

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 reminds us that stewards are entrusted with the mysteries of God and must be faithful for that trust . And as much as we understand about land, there are plenty of mysteries associated with it! The fact of the matter is all land management is really a game of chess, moving pieces that may not provide the same expectations as it did last game. As inheritors of land in 2024 though, this principle encourages us to approach our role as stewards with a sense of responsibility to faithfully keep working what we've been entrusted with, and respect that many things will not go according to our plans. But it is our duty to faithfully keep managing forward. In fact it our biblical responsibility to WORK the land as Genesis 2:15 outlines. We can view our continued intentional management as an act of faithful stewardship and service for God.  

3. Navigating Legal and Financial Considerations

Practical aspects of inheriting land often involve legal and financial considerations. I mean, the world runs on money these days and land management is no different. One of my favorite parables, Matthew 25:14-30, underscores the importance of active and wise investment, we can draw parallels to the careful management of inherited resources. The gentlemen had each inherited different levels of responsibility according to their ability, and each intentionally grew their responsibility to become more fruitful for the master. The one who did not intentionally work what he'd been entrusted with was the only one who was cursed for being lazy and unfaithful. The parables of the talents outlines the importance of intentional management and the wise results of gain profit from our resources and resource management. How many times have we been tempted to view our land like the last gentleman, to simply keep the status quo of whatever it is.... when in fact it is our duty to GROW it's opportunities, and it's not wicked to receive profits from the land.

4. Community and Generational Blessings

Ephesians 1:11-12 speaks of God's purpose, stating, "In him, we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." As inheritors of land, we play a role in God's plan, extending blessings to both the present community and future generations. What we do with our land, whether it is 10 acres or 10,000 acres, impacts those around us. The landscape is vital to our environment: clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat, ecosystem health, and wildfire risk. And therefore our management extends past the blessings of our immediate family but rather for the greater good of everyone. God's planning is perfect, Jeremiah 29:11, and he places the right people in roles for the greater purposes for Him. Therefore, when we look at our own abilities to manage land, look to Ephesians as comfort that he choses those for the purpose of His will. 

 Inheriting land in 2024 is more than a legal process; it's a journey which blends environmental stewardism and faith. By grounding our decisions in biblical wisdom, we honor the land, our heritage, and the divine call to stewardship. As we walk through 2024, may our actions reflect the timeless principles that guide us toward responsible, purposeful, and God-honoring land management.