Daily
Devotional

My grandson needed some extra money, and someone convinced him that if he bought a certain car, he could resell it for a profit. He never mentioned to us what he paid for it, but on top of the initial purchase price, it had a few problems, so he spent additional money on repairs. Then, he parked the late model, nice-looking vehicle in a strategic spot near his house, placed a “For Sale” sign in the window, and waited for the money to roll in. We began referring to the car as his “investment.”  

As the car grew older and prospective buyers remained scarce, my grandson would drive the car around the block to keep the battery charged and give it exposure to potential customers. Nevertheless, up to this date his investment has paid him nothing.

Most of us try to invest at least some of our money to prepare for the future. This is wise, as we do not know how long we must “occupy” until Jesus returns. If He comes today, we need to be prepared for that; and if He does not come for a few more years, we need to be prepared for that also. However, we have been presented with an even greater opportunity: that of spiritual investment. This type of investment is the best opportunity for gain because it is the only guarantee of a return that will never diminish.

Whereas my grandson’s investment is slowly losing its worth, our focus verse says that investments made in Heaven will bring rewards that last forever. Even if my grandson had been able to sell his car for a profit, money was all he would have gained. He might have bought some new clothes or a video game with that money, but when those items were outgrown or outdated, he would once again be empty-handed. Likewise, no matter how much we invest to obtain earthly goods or to gain men’s accolades, those things will pass away. We will not take them with us when we die, and we will not need them when we reach eternity. Only time spent accomplishing God’s will is guaranteed to benefit us there.

Just as we pray about financial decisions, let us also pray that the Lord will help us to make wise spiritual investments. Remember, our retirement in Heaven will last much longer than our retirement down here!