When you are facing a big decision, think it through to the conclusion. What do you see as the outcome depending on the decision you make? Where will it take you? When you weigh out your options in this way, it helps you make decisions now that result in better conclusions later. Let’s jump to the end of your life. If you continue living the way you are, what will be in your eternal portfolio when you wake up in eternity? What will be the value of your life’s endeavors? In Matthew 6, Jesus said to store up treasure in Heaven where moth and rust can’t destroy it. He was pointing to the fact that you can’t take it with you. With that conclusion in mind, what will you do with your treasure now? Will it end in decay or have eternal value?

Scriptures – Matthew 6:20-21; 1 Timothy 6:6-12, 17-19

Verses – But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. (1 Ti 6:6-8) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (1 Ti 6:10-11)

Thought – We live in a culture that desires to acquire, likes stuff, wants to be rich. It’s not wrong to be rich, the problem is believing that more stuff brings contentment. More always wants more, and in the end, it doesn’t provide contentment. Paul instructs Timothy (and us) to flee from the love of money, which is a root of all kinds of evil. Fleeing doesn’t mean just flee one time and you’re done. It means you have to continue to flee from the desire to follow the ways of the world. As we flee the trap of earthly desires, we are to run toward righteousness, which means integrity; godliness, good conduct; faith, dependability; love, agape, self-sacrificing love; endurance, keep pressing forward; and gentleness, which is strength under control. Paul also tells us to fight the good fight of faith (1 Ti 6:12). That good fight means to lay up treasure in heaven. Put your investment of time, talents and resources into the things that have eternal value—people who will make it to heaven because you invested.

Questions – What eternal investments are you making with your time? With your talents? With your resources? When it comes to your money/possessions, what’s your mindset? Is your portfolio in this world bigger than your heavenly portfolio? When you plan for the future, what is your focus? What can you do now to increase your eternal investment portfolio?

Response – Consider how you’re spending your time, treasure and talents. Analyze how you are doing with your earthly investments vs your eternal investments. Ask God to help you and make a commitment to begin moving your assets into your eternal portfolio.

Prayer – Gracious Father and Giver of all gifts, thank you for all of my blessings. Thank you that I have food, clothing and shelter. Help me to be content with what I have. Guide me in the investment of my time, treasure and talents for your Kingdom. May your work here on Earth bring a great harvest in Heaven. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.