By Dr. Rebekah McCloud
I recently read a blog by Lori Hatcher titled “10 Ways (Other Than Tithing) to Invest in God’s Kingdom.”[1] Among the ten were items such as disciple a new believer, support a missionary, help send a child or teen to a youth retreat or Christian camp, make care packages for the homeless or use your talents to bless the needy.
Some of us already do some of these things. Just think, all of us can do at least one of these things. Each requires us to invest our God-given time, talent, money and/or resources. Yet, do we do it?
I’m reminded of the two Bible parables: The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 and the Parable of the Minas in Luke 19. Both tell of a master leaving a sum of money with several servants and how they used it in his absence. I believe the stories are told as illustrations of what the Lord expects of us.
Romans 12:6 says, and I’m paraphrasing, we each have different gifts, according to God’s grace. James 1:17 reminds us that, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”
Question for us, are we investing these gifts? In my mind, there are two possible answers to this question: (1) not now or (2) not yet. Of course, the teacher in me has several follow up questions: Why not? When? What are we waiting for? What assistance do we need?
Galatians 6:10 tells us that, “…while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all…” Amen. God has gifted each of us and we must invest in His kingdom. Remember, Luke 16:10 in part says, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much…” Question, small or large, are we investing our gifts?
The word investing implies that at some point there will be some dividends. Of course, there will be. If we do our work for the right reason, our heavenly father loves us and the Bible says he wants to and will reward each of us according to our works. The Bible is filled with 365 promises God made to us. Here are just a few:
- Job 36:11 says if, “they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.”
- Ephesians 6:8 promises that, “The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does.”
- Matthew 6:4 says, “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Question, have we invested enough to expect a dividend?
Don’t get me wrong, we should not work because God will reward us. We should work because it’s our reasonable service. 1 Corinthians 15: 58 says, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the LORD, because you know that your labor in the LORD is not in vain.”
Question, are we honoring God by investing our gifts? If our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ returned today, tomorrow or next week, would he be pleased with how we have invested the time, talent, money and resources he has entrusted to us? Are we willing workers. Do we take him at his word? Are we faithful stewards?
Good works have their place in our Christian walk. But, let’s not get it twisted, our work alone cannot save us. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Amen.
Let me leave you with this little poem, “Faith and Works” by Hanna More. [2]
“If faith produce no works, I see
That faith is not a living tree.
Thus faith and works together grow,
No separate life they e’re can know.
They’re soul and body, hand and heart,
What God hath joined, let no man part.”
Remember, faith without works is dead. Let’s invest our gifts. Amen.
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[1] Hatcher, L (2018). 10 Ways (Other Than Tithing) to Invest in God’s Kingdom at https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/10-ways-other-than-tithing-to-invest-in-god-s-kingdom.html?p=1
[2] More, H. (n.d.) Faith and Works. Inspirations Christian Stories and Poems at http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/1749/faith-and-works/
9/2/18