Profitable Life Investment!

It is sad commentary on any society when "things" begin to be treated better and cherished more than people. Which do we focus on as the earmark of our life success, the accumulation of property or the actions associated with relationships? Someone has said, "True success is found in the lives you've changed . . . not in the things you've obtained." [original source unknown]

Consider Jesus. When He came into this world, though He was establishing a kingdom, what real estate did He buy? He Himself stated He had no place to lay His head. ( Matthew 8:20) The glorious and powerful kingdom Jesus came to set up was a spiritual one; one in which His rule was to be established in the hearts of those who would accept His Lordship. As He tried to steer the focus away from the accumulation of possessions ( Matthew 19:20-23; Luke 12:13-15, 21, & 32-34) we see how Jesus valued His contact with people and brought about real life change. When Jesus was accused of spending time with tax collectors and sinners, He didn't deny it. ( Matthew 9:11 & 11:19) He associated with people from all walks of life.

Keep in mind Jesus didn't come so that we could merely have abundant "stuff", but ABUNDANT LIFE. ( John 10:10) And Paul told Timothy to urge the rich at Ephesus to not "set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God" ( 1 Timothy 6:17 ESV) and "to be rich in good works" ( 1 Timothy 6:18 ESV) and so "take hold of that which is truly life." ( 1 Timothy 6:19 ESV)

In the Revelation to John we read. . .
"(13) And I heard a voice from heaven saying, 'Write this: BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHO DIE IN THE LORD from now on.' 'Blessed indeed,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, FOR THEIR DEEDS FOLLOW THEM!'" ( Revelation 14:13 ESV)

Our "stuff" will not follow ( Ecclesiastes 5:15), but our GOOD WORKS for the Lord will. That is the result of treasure being laid up in Heaven rather than on earth. Possessions are not wrong, but they must never become a distraction from our trust in God and faithfulness to Him. We should also remain mindful of using whatever possessions we have to the glory of God. Remembering the VALUE OF EACH SOUL for whom Christ gave His life, may we seek to impact those around us in godly ways. That will mark the greatest success to which our life could ever be connected.

Have a great day MAKING LIFE MATTER BY ALLOWING THE LIVES OF OTHERS TO MATTER TO US!
Carl

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