Friday, June 21, 2019

Investing In Eternity

It can be easy to get caught up in the world we live in and forget to invest in eternity. We can become so consumed with our own needs that we forget the treasure in investing in people. There is life after death and there are many who need to know Jesus. We have the chance to use our lives and resources to make a lasting impact for eternity.

God opened my eyes to another level during my recent Singapore mission trip. We stayed with a couple who has opened their home to over 40 people throughout the years. Their heart is to open their homes to young people who come from broken homes or no family and have no place to stay. They are currently hosting 8 young people and have dedicated their lives to loving them and creating a safe atmosphere.

Their hospitality to us was also beyond what we expected. They not only hosted us but also covered a lot of our meals and made sure we had everything we needed during the trip.

The love that this couple displayed was so beautiful. My husband and I were able to hear one of the stories of a teenager living in the home, which they call the Last Resort. Prior to the Last Resort, he got so used to of the feeling of rejection and pain that he refused to connect with people to prevent feelings of any pain.

He became numb to what true love is. But through staying at the Last Resort, he was able to experience genuine love that comes from Christ. There are many testimonies from this couple that has transformed many young lives.

I was reminded of this verse as I saw how this couple loved others:

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:20-21).

Investing in people will never be a waste of time, it's an investment that will last for eternity. You may not see the impact of what you are doing today, but trust that God is watering the seeds you are planting. Whether you are spending your time discipling someone, opening your home, or giving of your resources, it makes a difference towards eternity.

Jesus says in Luke 12:33, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys."

Countless times we see Jesus reminding us to not neglect those who are in need. James 2:15-16 says, "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"

Life is more than food and the clothing we wear (Luke 12:23). Let us not be so occupied with our own lives that we miss the lives around us that God wants us to help. Ask God to open your eyes to the needs around you. He will show you who He wants you to invest in.

What can you do today to be a blessing? Who has God put in your life to share the love of Jesus with? 

There are lives that need to experience and know the love and truth of Jesus. He has given the body (us as believers) the duty to be the light of the world so that others may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16). Money won't last forever, but souls will. God has given you time and resources to love and draw souls to Him. So remember, invest in eternity.

Learn more about the Last Resort here: www.thelastresort.life