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- Written by: Don Goulding
Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
Stone chimneys rose three stories above a turret. Ample rooms, appointed with marble fireplaces, handcrafted hardwood, and exquisite collectibles, were surrounded by thirty-two acres of private forest. Construction of the mansion was the life dream of Dani’s mother. After it was finished, we moved in with her, shared her dream, and provided hospice care until she passed away. Dani and her sister inherited the grand house.
Another person also died. It was the King of the universe, Jesus. He died so we could live in his mansion. Before he left, he said we should prepare for our time with him. We should use worldly wealth for eternal purposes.
We sold the family estate and used the money to travel the mission field. We traded the turret for the baptism of thirty-four African women and children. The marble fireplaces fetched enough to bring the gospel to villages of untouchables in India. That thirty-two acres of serene forest bought time in the Fiji Islands redeeming abused women and prisoners. We exchanged the house and land for ministry opportunities.
The money is gone now, but not the investment. Dividends continue to flow into our Kingdom accounts from the lives that were touched.
The decision to sell and reinvest into eternity was simple. Jesus died for us. What else could we do in response to so great a love? To hang on to soil, wood, and stone would trivialize his death. We had to spend earthly wealth as a token of the love that was lavished on us.
Prayer: Faithful God, thank you for protecting our investment.
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- Written by: Don Goulding
- Details
- Written by: Don Goulding
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! (Proverbs 6:6)
A spindly ant arrests a worm from destroying a farmer’s corn. As he carries the parasite away, the ant’s fuzzy legs transfer pollen to waiting silks. On the journey home, he cordially rubs antennae with a brother carrying a seed to a new place of germination. Our little friend places his worm deep inside tunnels that aerate the soil.
All said, ants are more civilized, more industrious, and more beneficial to the earth than humans. In many places they outweigh us in biomass. Yet, in our pride, we disregard the ant as a nuisance, while thinking our existence is essential.
If we could ask an ant his secret he’d say, “You humans rush over the outer shell and never get to the sweet nut of life. Slow down and discover God.”
In my quiet time this morning I experimented with the ant’s advice. I landed in the basic verses of Romans 5 about peace with God. I’ve read this passage so many times, my eyes tried to jump to what was next. Heeding the ant, I went back to process the words. The Holy Spirit sent fresh insights. I saw a deeper contrast between the dissension that once separated me from God and the peace I now enjoy in Christ.
We say we understand a concept like peace, and, because of the laziness of our minds, we shun further consideration. Our brains are restless organs that require discipline into a fuller understanding of familiar truth. The ant’s wisdom gives the Holy Spirit an opportunity to take us beyond our intellect and into true spiritual knowledge.
I can hear the ant now, his antennae twitching, “Let God sing miles of truth through millimeters of experience.”
Prayer: Lord, I repent of boisterous living. Grant me a quiet, attentive heart