I promised to always pull our gaze up above this world. As Paul the Apostle told the Colossians believers, ''Focus your minds on the things above, not on things here on earth'' [Colossians 3:2].
Hence I have this question for you: What's banked up there for you?
Now this question is not to bring on any anxiety but to draw our attention to the importance of investing in dividends that deliver beyond this world.
Jesus the Messiah taught his listeners about investing above. Here is his advice:
“Do not store up for yourselves wealth here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and burglars break in and steal. Instead, store up for yourselves wealth in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and burglars do not break in or steal. For where your wealth is, there your heart will be also.''Matthew 6: 19- 21
In his opinion, our investments should be more directed at filling our heavenly bank accounts! Why? because it will determine the focus of our hearts.
So let's take account. How rich are you in heavenly currency?
Paul instructed Timothy (a young Pastor) to :
''Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.''
These scriptures reveal God's idea for the use of money.
It is,
For our enjoyment
For good deeds
For generosity i.e. sharing with other believers
As a tool to invest in our heavenly account.
As Proverbs 19:17 says, ''Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will reward them for what they have done.''
Money used as a tool to promote God's kindness yields eternal dividends while ensuring the heart of the owner is never enslaved by it.
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.'' Matthew 6:24
As we plan investments to provide for our old age (retirement) and for an inheritance for our children, it is wise to also make investments in the life that truly matters: the one after this one.
However, it is not just money spent charitably that gives us a healthy bank balance in the afterlife with YHWH. The job of reaching others with the good news of Jesus draws eternal wages. Jesus said
''Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.'' John 4:35-36
Inviting many into a relationship with Jesus is not just of eternal benefit to them but to us as well. We draw a wage (salary) which is of eternal value.
Though Jesus mandated all his followers to preach the good news he brought, there is a reward for doing it joyfully:
''For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.'' - Paul [1 Corinthians 9:16-18]
Here are just two ways of laying up treasure in heaven. Can you find more ways in the bible?
Honouring Pat Robertson
''Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.'' 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
I want to use this opportunity to honour the passing of a great Elder in the Kingdom of God.
''Pat Robertson was a seasoned TV host, religious broadcaster, educator, humanitarian, and one-time presidential candidate and Founder of the groundbreaking 700 Club and Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). He died at his home in Virginia Beach Thursday 08 June 2023 morning. He was 93.
I personally recall the impact the 700Club made on me as I watched at home in Lagos Nigeria as a young believer. He was always there in a casual non-assuming way either speaking biblically on world issues, preaching the gospel, praying for the sick or reading out stories of healing and miracles. He believed simply but passionately and inspired us to believe in the same way too.
My condolences to his Family, CBN staff and affiliates.
Thank you, Sir, for your example of faithfulness. We will surely see you again in glory. Amen.
Deborah
Picture copyright CBN.COM
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