Investing in God's Kingdom Over Earthly Wealth

As a pastor I have the privilege of spending time with people who are dying. For those who know they don’t have much time left and are still able to talk, I’m honored to hear stories about what they love the most. Usually it’s stories about who they love. For those who are dying and are unable to speak, spending time with their loved ones gives me a glimpse into their lives. I love seeing pictures of family, friends, and vacations. I love hearing about the groups they were a part of at church. I love hearing about hobbies and meaningful work. As pastor Adam has shared in his sermons, no one ever talks about their bank accounts at the end of their lives.

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The treasure so many tell me about on their deathbeds is the gift of time they enjoyed with people they care about and the blessing of every opportunity to serve others. As the dying and their loves ones share their stories, I hear how day by day they built a treasure chest filled with love. It’s usually the loved ones of those who are dying who tell me how thoughtful they were as leaders at work, mentoring someone who needed help, how unselfish they were with their time, serving with one of our outreach ministries, and how generous they were with their skills, singing in the choir, sewing quilts to give away, teaching grandkids how to bake, teaching ESL classes in the community, and so much more. No one’s life is perfect, but I find inspiration in the stories of those who made the most out of the one precious life they had. I am awed by the compassion, care, and kindness so many give throughout their lives. The people and families who experience the most peace at the end of a life are those who filled their lives and hearts with generosity. If they had financial resources. they used them to bless others. If they had limited finances, they used them to bless others. Their bank account wasn’t their focus. Their desire to love others was what was most important.

Whatever your current life stage, I invite you to prayerfully discern how God is inviting you to be generous with your financial resources. I also encourage you to take some time to reflect on how you spend your time. When you look back at the past week, month, and year, what received your focus? Are there any big or small changes you want to make with your resources–your time, talent, and finances? What is most meaningful to your heart and how do you want to fill your treasure chest? I’m grateful to serve as one of your pastors and to join you in seeking to be generous. I love how your generosity is changing lives. I join our senior pastor in saying, I am so proud of you, Resurrection.