Bad Investments

Bad Investments

Read: Luke 12:13-21

“A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Luke 12:15

“The real value of a thing is the price it will bring in eternity.”

—John Wesley

IN WORD The many ruins and relics of antiquity testify that earthly empires do not last. Mausoleums and memorials reveal the transience of life. The inability of governments to solve the world’s problems persuades us that politics is not the answer. Volatile markets and monthly statements show us the corruptibility and futility of wealth.

Still, the tendency of mankind is to invest in earthly things. So few people know so little of the coming kingdom that it becomes an afterthought. Six days a week we plan for life by investing in houses and goods—insuring them all— and perhaps give one day’s thought to eternity. We research human answers to human problems and neglect the divine privilege of dependence on a transcendent God. Both as individuals and societies, we so focus on the here and now that we grow blind to the there and then. While all eternity lies before us, our vision extends but a few decades. But as in Jesus’ parable of the rich fool, human plans can be interrupted in one surprising moment, and what we have valued most may no longer matter at all.

IN DEED Where do you invest your life? In trying to maintain security and comfort in the next few decades, or in knowing the security and incorruptible glory of eternity? Millions will one day look back at their incredible lack of logic, remembering the months and years they spent on temporal comforts compared with the scarce attention they gave to everlasting realities. What a tragedy! What a waste. What a heartbreak for those who have missed the big picture and who see all of their life’s labor come to nothing. By contrast, what a blessing for those who are rich toward God (v. 21)! Consider the long term and examine where your investments lie. Use your resources for the coming kingdom.