Good Investment

 

An Ethiopian farmer hid more than $12,000 in a haystack—which unfortunately was home to some hungry rodents. Just three weeks after he stashed the cash, he discovered that rats had chewed through almost one-third of his savings!

When I read about this farmer’s misfortune, I couldn’t help thinking back to Jesus’ words: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth” (Matthew 6:19). Why not? Because moths (or rats) might nibble them down to nothing. Because our wealth could become burglar bait. Basically, because anything we store up on earth is temporary.

Maybe that’s why we’re supposed to “think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth” (Colossians 3:2). An eternal view helps to keep us from becoming consumed by whatever we can glom onto in this life.

So, how do we keep from letting our bank accounts get the best of us? Jesus urged us to store up treasures in heaven where decay and loss are non-events. But how?

 

We’re supposed to “be rich in good works and generous to those in need . . . . By doing this [we] will be storing up treasure as a good foundation for the future” (1 Timothy 6:18-19). It’s the tangible acts of kindness and love that provide true wealth.

If that’s not enough to satisfy our longing for everlasting affluence, we also need to invest in “a rich relationship with God” (Luke 12:21). The closer our connection with Him, the less we’ll care about the here-today-gone-tomorrow goodies of this world.

Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21). To keep our hearts in the right place, we’ve got to stockpile treasure in heaven rather than being consumed with whatever we’ve got stored in the haystack!

Verse of the Day

Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...

Never alone. What a promise. As Psalm 139 emphasizes later, Joshua hears first hand. God will go with him, and us, through all the seasons of life, through all our ups and downs, through temptations and triumphs, even through death. So we can take courage and feel his strength. We are not alone!

MY PRAYER...

O God who is and was and is to come, thank you for being there and staying there when all others forsake and leave. You are the one constant in my life, which is so full of change. Help me become more steadfast and faithful in my commitments and relationships to honor you and to learn more about you. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.