invest wisely

Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in a steal.  Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.  Matthew 6:19-21

Several weeks ago, God asked me, "Where will you invest?"  There are so many layers to that question, and truthfully, I'm still processing through all of it.  Writing usually helps me solidify thoughts and ideas, so here I am. 

Traditionally, we have studied these verses with money in mind.  Verse 24 of the same chapter says, "No one can serve two masters.  For you will hate one and love the other, you will be devoted to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and money."  It's true.  When we are obsessed with making and saving money, there isn't time or energy to pursue a relationship with God or to follow Him.  The same is true if we are seeking earthly fame and rewards.  Our minds become consumed with the pursuit of money and recognition.

I fully believe that we were created by God for relationship.  Relationship with Him and relationship with each other.  The first chapters of the book of Genesis tell of the creation of man and woman.  It all sounds very relational to me!  Sadly, Adam and Eve allowed disobedience to break the close relationship that they had with God.  But, God already had a plan...Jesus.  Their disobedience didn't catch Him by surprise.  John 3:16-17 says, "For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him."

God sent Jesus to the world to restore our relationships with Him.  That is our treasure in heaven.  Matthew 6 also instructs us to "seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." (verse 33)   

Jesus knew God's heart better than anyone.  He knew that relationship was and still is God's number 1 priority.  When the religious leaders asked Jesus which of the commandments was most important, He responded, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.  The second is equally important.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  No other commandment is greater than these."  (Mark 12:28-31)

The more I pursue God, the more love He gives me for people.  With all my heart, I believe that the most valuable things I have to invest are my time, my energy, and my love.  Where will I invest those things?  I'll be the first to admit that I don't always choose wisely and sometimes I choose selfishly.  God is helping me to choose His priorities...loving Him and loving people.  It is that simple to invest wisely.