Preparing For Eternity
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." - Matthew 6:19–20
We spend so much time, energy, and money preparing for our retirement on earth, a season of life that may last twenty or thirty years if we are fortunate. But how much time do we spend preparing for our eternity, which lasts forever? It is a sobering question that should reorient our priorities. How you choose to live today directly determines what you will have tomorrow in the life to come.
In this passage, Jesus gives us investment advice that beats any stock market tip from the world's top financial experts. He tells us that all earthly treasures are temporary. Cars rust, clothes fade, houses decay, and money can be lost in an instant. Everything you accumulate here on earth will eventually be left behind. However, investments made in God's kingdom are eternally secure. When you give generously to the poor, support the work of the gospel, and serve others in the name of Jesus, you are making a direct deposit into your heavenly account. Living with this eternal perspective will change your priorities, loosening your grip on material things and tightening your grip on what is spiritually significant.
I have officiated many funerals for both wealthy people and poor people, and I have stood at many gravesides. I have never once seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer. We bring nothing into this world, and we will take nothing out of it, except for the souls we have influenced and the Christlike character we have built. Realizing this profound truth shifted how I view my bank account. I started seeing money not as a means to buy status or comfort, but as a powerful tool to bless others and build the Kingdom of God for generations to come.
Take a moment to evaluate your calendar and your checkbook, as they honestly reveal your true priorities. Ask God to show you one specific way you can shift your resources, whether time or money, from temporary pleasures to eternal treasures this month.
Father, help me to live every day with eternity in mind. Forgive me for being so easily focused on temporary things that will not last. Show me how to invest in things that will have an eternal impact. Give me the wisdom to use all my resources for Your kingdom and Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
We spend so much time, energy, and money preparing for our retirement on earth, a season of life that may last twenty or thirty years if we are fortunate. But how much time do we spend preparing for our eternity, which lasts forever? It is a sobering question that should reorient our priorities. How you choose to live today directly determines what you will have tomorrow in the life to come.
In this passage, Jesus gives us investment advice that beats any stock market tip from the world's top financial experts. He tells us that all earthly treasures are temporary. Cars rust, clothes fade, houses decay, and money can be lost in an instant. Everything you accumulate here on earth will eventually be left behind. However, investments made in God's kingdom are eternally secure. When you give generously to the poor, support the work of the gospel, and serve others in the name of Jesus, you are making a direct deposit into your heavenly account. Living with this eternal perspective will change your priorities, loosening your grip on material things and tightening your grip on what is spiritually significant.
I have officiated many funerals for both wealthy people and poor people, and I have stood at many gravesides. I have never once seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer. We bring nothing into this world, and we will take nothing out of it, except for the souls we have influenced and the Christlike character we have built. Realizing this profound truth shifted how I view my bank account. I started seeing money not as a means to buy status or comfort, but as a powerful tool to bless others and build the Kingdom of God for generations to come.
Take a moment to evaluate your calendar and your checkbook, as they honestly reveal your true priorities. Ask God to show you one specific way you can shift your resources, whether time or money, from temporary pleasures to eternal treasures this month.
Father, help me to live every day with eternity in mind. Forgive me for being so easily focused on temporary things that will not last. Show me how to invest in things that will have an eternal impact. Give me the wisdom to use all my resources for Your kingdom and Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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6 Comments
What a powerful, thought provoking Word! I read this devotional twice! I was a financial advisor in the banking industry for over 40 years and took pride in helping my Clients make the best investment decisions for their future here on earth. However, the investment advice provided in the Word of God teaches us how to have the right attitude towards our “treasures” here on earth and for our spiritual future in eternity! Thank you Lord for shifting my focus from earthly to heavenly!
Amen!!
Two for two this week.
n
n“Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.”
nLuke 16:9 NLT
nhttps://bible.com/bible/116/luk.16.9.NLT
n
n
nMy brother has been very well off since like 2006. You have no idea how may times people have judged him because of it. I even started to form an opinion after awhile even though I tried to stay out of the controversy. It appeared as if people flocked to him because of the money and pretended to be his friend. I realize now that he was doing more than just buying friends. He was winning people over. Now I invest in people myself and I’m not even rich. It’s a way to live i can tell you that. Money is just paper yet it means so much to so many. I like being a provider. I like being able to help others. Question is who to help and when. Many people aren’t ready to handle blessings yet and when they get the money they ultimately throw away the opportunity it can provide to serve others. Instead now I look for a certain kind of readiness so that while they are with me they start living by the same principles with our creator. Those are the ones who I really enjoy helping. Because they then go out and work hard too so they can provide as well. Building disciples i guess you could call it. Or the way i see it making friends i can have on my team forever. Love you guys. Thanks Pastor Ed.
amén!
Now this is as profound as it gets! We are so blessed to have a Pastor who leads us to the right frame of mind. I want to encourage my brothers and sisters who read this to also consider this eternal perspective when you're in what I call a "situation". Those are times when we can have a knee-jerk-response to someone - in the flesh. If we are quick to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, our "situation" will look a whole lot different when we have this ETERNAL perspective. So just like we put on our sunglasses - almost instinctively - let's put on our eternal glasses! Amen?
AMEN