Scripture clearly indicates the need to invest in eternal values. “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches” (Proverbs 13:7). Jesus said to the rich young ruler, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven” (Matthew 19:21). “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). From the many principles in the Bible regarding eternal investment, it is clearly of importance to God. Next month we will look at practical ways in which we can make eternal investments.
There needs to be, in our manner of life and our use of material possessions, an awareness that we are seeking a better country and that we are living as strangers and pilgrims. Somehow people need to see that we are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God. If our heart’s treasures are only here on earth, we will not be ready to meet God in heaven.
Heaven is a safe deposit for our treasure and there is maximum security there. So by now you might be asking, “How can I invest in eternal values?”
There are a number of ways to invest in eternal values, but the first and maybe the most important is giving proper time and attention to our families. All dimensions of family life are important and require time, energy, and money. In reality our families are the only possession we have on this earth that we can take with us to glory. Taking time for the family, providing for both physical and spiritual family needs, spending time in prayer for them, and nurturing our families are of great importance and priceless value.
Another area of eternal investment is that of church work. We should be very willing to participate in song leading, schoolwork, Bible school efforts, Sunday School classes, and even the work of pastoring if God should so call us. There are mission opportunities that require funds and personnel. There is a great blessing in supporting brotherhood activities, attending church meetings, and doing all we can to help the work go forward. One thing that is vital to all church functions is that we take sufficient time in prayer for the church, our youth, the church leaders, and her efforts to evangelize.
Right along with this is our God-given duty to give as the Lord has prospered us. Part of our responsibility is to work to provide for our own needs, and also “to have to give to him that needeth.” Giving is not only monetary; we can also give time, and talents for the cause of the kingdom. Through church work, mission opportunities, CAM projects, disaster relief, and other beneficial projects, we are able to invest by giving to others’ needs. But let us never forget that offering plate giving is also of great importance to church funds, school needs, and brotherhood assistance. “God loveth a cheerful giver” no matter how he gives; but let us always remember that when we give to kingdom work and to the needs of others, we invest in eternal values.
Another way we can lay up treasure in heaven is by prayer. When we take time in prayer for people and missions, we can minister to those close to us or those far away. Someone has said that if you cannot go to the mission field on your feet, you can go on your knees. Time invested in prayer is never wasted. When that burden rests upon our hearts, even though we may be restricted by age, handicaps, the privilege of personal involvement, we can still get involved by praying. Many pastors, missionaries, sick folks, elderly ones, people in sadness and discouragement, and struggling youth have been helped along because somebody somewhere was praying for them. Could that somebody be you?
Another aspect of eternal investment is f taking time to visit. There are many in our world who really are benefitted by visitation. This includes things like dropping by at a retirement home to visit a lonely person or a sister who stops by to share a word of cheer with another busy sister who is cumbered down with household duties. Jesus says in Matthew 25:36 “I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” I believe that it is hard to calculate the value of visitation. Just think a moment, “Has a visit ever blessed you?”, then you should also pass the blessing on as you are able.
Some have the privilege to invest in eternal values by helping needy children. While adoption and foster care are not a calling for everyone, this is a golden opportunity to invest in eternal, never dying souls who may never have a spiritual chance any other way than to be hosted at your home or adopted into it. “Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me” (Mark 9:37). I realize that this verse applies to all children who are received into our homes, but to have the privilege to minister to the needs of a fatherless child can be a wonderful ministry that requires extensive investment.
Helping and ministering to the elderly is also an area of eternal investment. In our generation,among the elderly there are many lonely and forgotten souls. Whether these elderly are a neighbor to us, someone in the old folk’s home, or even our own aging parents; there is much opportunity to reach out and touch lives in this ministry.
What are the rewards of investing in eternal values? “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament;and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Think about the following:
Do you think there is anyone who has died and gone to be with Jesus who is sorry for the amount they invested in eternal values in this life?
Do you think there is anyone who has died and gone to be with Jesus who wishes that they would have invested more in eternal values than what they did?
Do you think there is anyone in eternity today who is lamenting that they did not invest in eternal values, who did not take time for God, but spent their time and energy on perishing things of clay?
Daily, we make many decisions which prove to all who observe us, but most of all to God, where our treasure really is. We decide by our use of time, money, and resources where our investments and values really are. Let us remember that God holds us accountable for how we use the talents He has entrusted to us. One day we will give account to Him for how we have done regarding this area of our lives. There will be nothing better at the end of life then to hear His words, ‘‘Well done thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’’
But be ye doers of the word,
and not hearers only
James 1:22 (KJV)