Gospel Journey

Do you know how to invest?

During the week, we'll be dealing with some questions regarding eternity. Check out the devotional for today, then come back and then examine this question:

Do you know how to invest?

As I approached 30, I had to face the fact that adulthood meant I should start considering the world of investing. I'm not a "money guy," so I find it terribly intimidating. (The fact that numbers and letter are mysteriously combined in the world of finance, such as "401K," only makes it more confusing.)

But Jesus encouraged us that investing should be so confusing:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Just a couple of things to note about Jesus' statement:

1. The difference is eternity. Jesus didn't say that the treasure is fugurative, therefore impossible to be destroyed. Instead, he argues that the location of the treasure is what sets it apart. In God's incomparable grace, He actually rewards us when we respond to the grace He has already shown us.
2. It's ok to make a deliberate effort. There's nothing wrong with consciously storing up treasure. At times when it is a motivator, there is nothing wrong with continuing forward in humble service, aware of gifts that await.
3. That which you pursue, is that which you love. That's a convicting thought for all of us.

The question is, do I use what God has given me to make an eternal impact? How do we go about doing that? A couple of thoughts:

1. Things are made to serve people, people are not intended to serve things. If you are ever using a person as a "stepping stone," odds are you aren't thinking eternal thoughts.
2. All that God has given you should be placed before Him for His glory. Some people think that when a person submits to Christ, they must abandon all of their hobbies and interests. Unless the hobby/interest is sin, that is not necessarily the case. In fact, God may desire to transform the situation into one which brings Him glory through your hobbies and interests.
3. The end is the gospel. How does one make sure their hobbies and interests glorify God? Do they articulate the gospel? If you can use what God has given you to share the message of redemption, you've used it for eternal glory.

This is one investment plan you don't need to be intimidated by.

posted by danny2 @ 6:18 PM