What is a good investment today?
Over the last few years we have watched companies, banks and small business struggle and fail. We all have a friend or neighbor who has sold their home, downsized or moved away in hopes for greener grass somewhere else. The financial world is a mess and the risk is high in an unstable world economy.
Galatians 6:7-9 says, “You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Investing in the lives of people with our time, talent and treasure for the glory of Christ is always a good investment. Numerous passages of Scripture challenge believers to serve. God has invested in each of us, distributing gifts by the Holy Spirit, equipping us to invest in others.
I admit there have been times when I’ve felt the nudge to act but let insecurity get in the way. We convince ourselves that we’re not qualified, that someone better equipped will come along to serve, someone with more money will give, or that we are just too busy to get involved. The inadequate feeling you might have when an “assignment” comes along – take comfort in it. That’s God telling you He wants you to step out and trust Him to show up. He’s not asking us to be perfect, a willing heart is enough. God will do the rest. Believe it or not, He’s called us all to much bigger things than what we feel capable of doing. That’s what makes comfort zones so boring and God’s work so awesome.
To minister effectively we must embrace a servant philosophy. The Bible says, “Consider others as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). This is such a vast contrast to our consumer, financial driven society where the rich and famous are lifted up and the poor and humble go unnoticed. Each person, each soul, is so valuable to God. Much greater than our personal desires and dreams. The world will not remember us for how much we accumulated, we will only be remembered for the lives we touched both here on earth and in heaven.
Allow the hand of God to slow you down, open your eyes, and touch your heart that you might serve like Christ. “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” Galatians 6:9
Talent
Know that you have everything you need to serve others. Do your best and trust that God has the rest.
Time
If you’re not seeing opportunities to serve, you’re too busy. Set aside some time in your schedule and pray that God opens your eyes to see the opportunities all around you. It doesn’t need to be something magnificent, in fact, it rarely ever is.
Treasure
In America we’ve become consumed with material goods. Do you realize that if you make $40,000 a year you are in the top 3% richest people in the world? It is not wrong to enjoy the blessings we’ve been given. However, God commands us to return a portion of what He’s given to His kingdom work.
Find out where your salary ranks: http://www.globalrichlist.com.
