Something that Lasts

Saturday, January 26, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.”

Hebrews 10:32–34

The Great Pyramid in Giza has been standing for more than four thousand years. Built to serve as the mausoleum of a pharaoh named Khufu, this massive structure was, for most of its existence, the tallest man-made building on Earth. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and it is the only one that has largely survived intact. It was not built with an eye toward ease, convenience or cost—it was built with an eye toward permanence.

Every day we are faced with choices between the temporal and the eternal. There are only so many hours in each day and so much money in the budget. The question we face is how we will choose to invest our resources. Wise Christians understand that the greatest and most important investment we can make is an investment in the things of God. Paul noted this truth when he wrote to thank the church at Philippi for their financial support he said, “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account” (Philippians 4:17).

It is easy to only care about ROI, return on investment, for our earthly treasures. But we should be far more concerned with what we are accomplishing that will last. Is the way we spend our time, money, and abilities building up treasure in Heaven? If not, a major change needs to be made. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Today's Growth Principle: 

Do not spend your life focused only on things that will soon pass away.