Investing

Matthew 6:19-21 – Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (ESV)

Most of us think of investments in monetary terms. However, we can also make investments of time and energy by what we do and the actions that we take.

The Oxford English Dictionary's first definition of the word "invest" is to "clothe a person with qualities" and only the third definition is to "employ or put money into stocks, etc."

We often hear of a person who has amassed great wealth by this world's standards, but who died a most unhappy person. We never hear of a "wealthy" person driving his fancy sports car to his own funeral.

On the other hand, we admire people like Mother Teresa who spend their lives serving others. On December 4, 2021, the New York Times published an interview with Denzel Washington Jr., a Christian actor, director, and producer, who said:

What I do, what I make, what I made — all of that — is that going to help me on the last day of my life? It's about, who have you lifted up? Who have we made better?

This quotation struck me as consistent with the teachings of Jesus referenced in today's passage, and also with His answer to a question from an expert in the law:

Matthew 22:36-40 – "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (NIV)

Throughout my life, I have been blessed with many people who have positively influenced me. In the last three decades, I have enjoyed the friendship of Dr. Basil Springer, whom I first met in Barbados on a hot summer afternoon. Although advanced in years, he writes a weekly column as a "Change-Engine Consultant". In a December 6, 2021, column, he wrote:

We are spiritual beings attempting to master an earthly experience. When we die, the body and mind are no more, but the soul continues its journey through a continuum. If we have faith in and continually communicate with God, this nourishes our soul and strengthens its development. Prayer conditions our minds and meditation instills a tranquil serene environment in which to receive messages from God.

I am thankful every day that belief in the saving grace of Jesus allows me to do my part in helping to show others His love as I move along this earthly journey. I am grateful that God does not require us to amass great wealth but only to show His love to others in simple ways.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for showing us the way. Help us to follow the example given by Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.

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