Heavenly Currency

Job 23:10 – He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (KJV)

Frances Ridley Havergal is perhaps one of the most well-known hymn writers of the nineteenth century. Her hymn of consecration and service, "Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee," is included in most hymnals. During her short life of forty-two years, Frances accomplished an extensive amount of writing and composed a wide range of music. She also answered the many letters which she received daily. One writer indicated that she felt she was indeed "pure gold" because of her victorious triumph over many trials. Frances answered her letter with the question, "How do you plan to spend this 'gold'?"

This question has greatly challenged me. How do Christians spend this heavenly currency? We have earned this "pure gold" through great and often unique personal trials and difficulties, and we have not only survived, but we have also come through to shine as pure gold. With all tangible or spiritual wealth comes responsibility. In the worldly aspect, the idea is to increase wealth, through various forms of investment. With heavenly currency, there is a totally different approach: we give it away!

As Christians, we believe nothing happens in our lives by chance. Perhaps our earned currency has come through the loss of a loved one, and we know the depth of bereavement. Perhaps we have been grieved by a spouse who has left the relationship or by a relative who has chosen a different lifestyle. Perhaps we have faced the anxious times of watching a child undergo treatment for cancer. Without doubt, there are many areas of life in which we may have truly earned our heavenly currency. Let us, as Christians, spend our hard-earned currency by giving of ourselves to the one experiencing similar suffering. Let us come alongside and spend some of our heavenly wealth with that person. Perhaps we can only say, "I was praying for you today, because I understand a little." Yes, perhaps, we may again feel a little of the heat of the fire, as the hard memory of earning that currency comes back afresh. Regardless, let us not hoard this special wealth, but be willing to spend it in whatever form the Holy Spirit may lead us.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, as we remember the times of earning our heavenly currency, may we also remember that special refreshing strength given to us by Your gracious Holy Spirit. Help us to be sensitive to the situations of others as they are presented to us. We make this petition in the name of Your Son, Christ Jesus. Amen.