The ultimate savings account
“Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches are. Matthew 6 : 19 - 21 (GNB) |
You might think that the advice given in this week's passage goes against popular opinion on how we should manage our money and belongings. I am sure that most financial advisers would suggest that you build up as big a hoard of money as possible (be that in savings, investments or other schemes).
Of course to a point this is perfectly reasonable and sensible. We all want to feel secure knowing that we have enough money to survive and do the things that we like, both now and in the future. I also dont think that this passage is suggesting that we shouldn't make this sort of provision.
However, what the passage is saying is that the best investments in the long term cannot be found on money comparison websites. Similarly they will not be found down at the bank or in the office of a financial adviser or accountant (no matter how creative they are). Following the financial crisis we all know what happens when people invest too heavily in greed. The best investment you can make according to this passage is in your heart and in preparation for your time in heaven.
This probably seems a bit abstract. Unlike your worldly stuff it isn't something that can be simply brought. You can't just go down to the high street or a church and buy your slice of heaven. Similarly you can't cram family jewels into your heart!
What this passage is trying to show us is that the best things to invest in don't have a price tag. Investing in your relationships with those around you, and the things that God wants you to do will always give the biggest return in this life and the next. Investment doesn't necessarily mean money, it could be time, skill or even a smile.
What are you investing in this week? Is it giving you the best possible return?
This weeks song is 10,000 reasons by Matt Redman. |
Header image by: DeclanTM via Flickr