Some investments pay back really well. I put some money in my money market account from 2001-2007 and it was growing by nearly 20% per year! We can invest our time, money, talent in all kinds of things. Pastor Rick Warren reminded me that the Kingdom of God is the only truly secure investment that pays eternal dividends. And, the older I get, I know he is right. The things that can be purchased in this world are less important to me. What really matters is those who will be with me in heaven and the next life. Jesus told a fascinating parable about that. A corrupt and incompetent manager (steward) had to give account of his wasteful ways. He quickly made friends with the debtors by discounting what they owed his master. Ironically, the master praised him for his shrewdness. Jesus, the master rabbi- pointed out that the sons of this ‘world’ are more shrewd than the sons of ‘light’. Unbelievers secure their earthly future with all their effort, while Christians often waste their efforts in preparing for an eternal future. Brilliant! Convicting! That’s Jesus!
And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Luke 16:9-12 NASB
How often is my life bifurcated between what matters for eternity (winning souls) and earthly distractions?
God, as this day begins- help me to number my days in wisdom. Who can I reach out to today and love in Your name… and help them secure an eternal future with You. I thank you for a great victory last night. I look forward to what You have for me today.
