Council Community Church

Pastor's Corner

WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT 9-16-05

A few years back a VERY successful investment broker named Lee made an interesting move: He gave up his business in the U.S. so that he could return to Hong Kong and share Jesus with business-people there. When asked why he would make this (seemingly) financially idiotic move, he said that he had considered everything like a good businessman and that he had “…gotten a better offer.” Lee had gotten a better offer from the Living God. A better offer indeed!

There are far better investments than those that bring financial gain. Lee had come to understand that - but do we? “O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old – what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His power, and the wonders He has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands.” (Psalm 78:1-7)

As the Beatles sang in the late ‘60’s: “Money can’t buy me love.” True enough, but money also can’t buy a solid foundation for your children’s lives. It can’t buy their confidence in your love; It can’t teach them God’s guidelines for their lives; It can’t play with them; It can’t hold them close, correct them, comfort them or train them. Only you can effectively do these things, and more than anything else it takes your TIME AND ENERGY to accomplish them.

There is no substitute for the investment of your life into the lives of the children around you. “Quality time” is a myth. There is NO replacement for the QUANTITY of time spent with them. You may not have as much time to spend with your young ones as you wish, but how are you spending the time that you do have? Do you lean heavily towards your own selfish pursuits, or are you investing your life where it really counts? Are you pouring your entire life into attaining the “good life,” or have you realized that you have a better offer as you invest yourself into your children?

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

We are called to make God part of every part of life. There is nothing common or mundane if we can see Jesus Christ in it. And not only are we called to recognize His presence, but we are also to share all of that with our children, and train them to acknowledge Him in all of life as well. Are you working in the lawn? Have your son help you, and use the opportunity to share the Lord’s Truth. Do you have a major cleaning project? Call your daughter alongside you and talk with her about Jesus as you labor together. Never do anything alone unless you absolutely must.
Pour your life into your children. Pour God’s Truth and salvation message through Jesus into them. There is no more significant investment that you can make. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving, because not only will the children benefit – now and for all eternity – but THEIR children will reap the benefit as well, as they receive what you invested!

The Enemy whispers in your ear that you should pursue greater income; he encourages you to spend your time on yourself and your pleasure. But let him know that you belong to Jesus and you have better things –and people - to invest your life in. Let him know that you have a better offer!