Today’s devotion builds on the thoughts from Sunday’s Sermon – Week 5 of “Fan or Follower – Invest Wisely” (LISTEN HERE).
My wife and I were discussing recently our investments and the reality that they are not worth as much as they were just a year ago…significantly less. We are not alone in this as inflation stifles economic growth in many sectors of our economy.
It’s discouraging when you’ve worked hard to save and it is now devalued or simply gone. Think of the many people in Florida who have lost much or all of their early possessions.
These are great reminders that nothing on this earth of material substance is going to last forever.
So Jesus, as he always does, wants to reorient our heart to that which matters most and that which lasts forever.
Store up treasures in heaven.
What are those treasures that will last?
Here’s the first two (tomorrow number three).
The primary treasure that will last is our Savior Jesus.
2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
Jesus gave up everything heavenly to come to this earth to enjoy a life of poverty. Yet in giving up everything to come to this earth, he gives us everything that we need for eternal life. Jesus gives what money can never buy. We can’t buy our way into heaven. We don’t own enough. The cost is too much. Yet the cost that was needed AND was paid, was the life and death of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 49:7-9 No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—
the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough—
so that they should live on forever and not see decay.
1 Peter 1:18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
Any time we give to investing in our relationship with Jesus, is a wise, lasting, eternal investment.
The second treasure to invest in is time with the Word of God.
Two friends of Jesus loved Jesus and wanted to make sure he was welcomed and cared for. Martha was making sure the home was ready and food prepared. Mary was sitting listening to Jesus. Both important, but Jesus reminds Martha that time with Jesus and his Word are a better investment.
Luke 10:41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
God’s Word of truth is what strengthens faith, comforts our hearts, and guides our life. When the power of God’s word is deposited in our hearts it builds and strengthens a faith that will last forever. Earthly possessions will stay behind, but the words of God last forever.
Isaiah 40:7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Like any good financial advisor will steer you to investments that will protect your assets, so the Spirit of God directs us to invest our time and energy in that which will last…our relationship with Jesus and our time in the Word of God.
Apply: How do you have to adjust your investment of time to ensure you are investing in those things that last forever?
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for investing way too much of my life in things that will rust, fade or disappear. Reorient my heart and mind to simplify life so I might invest more in my relationship with you and your words of truth. AMEN.