All of us, throughout the years, make investments in our lives. Parents and students make
investments in education, often spending thousands of dollars. Some can meet the expense and pay in full as they advance each year, while others may be in debt for many years to come. Other students are fortunate enough to have full or partial scholarships for their educational investment.Most folks, when buying an automobile will finance the money owed, then drive off with the vehicle of their choice. Whether we finance the item or just write a check, we have made an investment in something to drive … something that will take us from point A to point B. The automobile has been a blessing in getting us where we want to go in a much shorter time than having to walk. Can you imagine how many more churches Paul could have established if he had had a car, or even a bicycle for that matter? Sure saves on footwear too.
And then there is the place where we live that we call home. It may be a house, apartment, etc. that we have invested in, usually making payments for many years to come. And then there is the insurance factor. Much of what we own is insured. Let us not forget that within our house we also need furniture, appliances, cookware, etc., all of which are investments.
Do you know we also make investments in each other? When a couple sets the date and weds, they are certainly making an investment in each other. It is tragic today that so many rob from each other rather they invest in each other. In other words, as you have heard it said, “Why buy the cow when the milk is free.” That is no commitment at all. When I was much younger we just called it “shacking up.”
In these final days before our Lord’s return, we invest in everything imaginable; i.e., education, automobiles, dwelling places, appliances, furniture, boats, campers (and other toys), occupations, Wall Street, business ventures, insurance and the list just goes on and on ad infinitum. The problem is that all of these earthly investments are temporary.
My greatest investment, and hopefully yours too, is eternal. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked. That investment would be the investment of our eternal souls in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. This is the only investment that is eternal and we cannot buy it or work for it. Jesus said from the cross, “tetelestai,” meaning, “it is finished,” or “paid in full.”
Jesus said, “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.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Every human being is born with a sin nature we inherited from Adam. This sin nature has caused a separation from God.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)
Scripture tells us that without a Savior we will die in our sins and be eternally separated from God. It also says that God will gift to us eternal life if we repent (change our mind) and ask Jesus to save us.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Jesus said again, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:37-40)
This should remind us that the investments we make in our body alone is quite significant. Our health is a very large investment in time and money, and rightly so. However, our body will eventually die, but our soul will live on forever, either in Heaven or hell. So, shouldn’t our number one concern be our eternal destiny? Life on earth is just a blink of the eye compared to eternity, which never ends.
Most folks unfortunately, live as though they will never die, but we all die. Some die and live out eternity with Jesus, but most will never receive that wonderful reward, simply because they reject Him while alive on this earth.
What is your greatest investment? Is it your house, automobiles, vacations, your physical health, work, hobbies, family? Family is very important, and it should be, but what about your spiritual life?
The Lord says through the apostle Peter, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11)
Grant Phillips
Email: Phillip5769@twc.com
Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com
Rapture Ready: http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html
