Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– John Hagee
With Your Time
The Bible tells us to redeem the time since the days are evil, meaning they’re short in relation to eternity. We can invest perhaps the most valuable thing we have, which is our time. When we give people an attentive ear, give another person a ride, or in whatever we do with and for them, we can give them our time. But things done for Christ will never perish.
With Your Talent
Every person on earth has some skill, gift, or talent. Believers also have the gifts of the Spirit; so you and I certainly have some talent, which we can give to others or to the work of God. What that looks like for you will be different from that of your neighbor or me. Take the time, add your talent, and you’re off to a good start in investing in eternity.
With Your Treasure
We all have been blessed in relation to most of the world. God sees everything we have as being His because He created it, but He is willing to share His generous blessings with us. God has made us stewards over how we handle our own little estate, big or small. Do we have clenched fists when others have a need, or do we offer open hands that freely give to help those less fortunate? It really is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
With Your Prayers
Prayers are part of our time that we invest in others, but I wanted to put it separately because it is so important. All other things we do for others must be prayed over and thoughtfully done. We don’t want to do anything without first praying about it. We might be enabling someone by giving them money, or we might be neglecting someone because we’re not sure they really need the help. Ask God where He wants you to lay down your time, talent, and treasure, and I’m sure He’ll give you a clear answer.
Conclusion
By all means, the last thing we want to do is serve and help others only because we want to be seen by others; and if they don’t see us doing them, then we’ll tell them. But that’s only a temporary reward, my friend. Jesus said if it’s the praise of men you want, the praise of men you’ll get; but you’ll get no praise from God. If you invest in the kingdom but do it in secret, He will openly reward you someday. However, if you do it before others, you’ve already received all the reward you’ll ever get.
