Invest in Others

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Be Generous and Do Good

⁶ Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
⁷ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. ⁸ For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. ⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:6-10 NKJV)

I remember conversations with my neighbor a number of years back, this was before I was ever married or saved. At this time in my life I had no significant other either. My neighbor was a woman getting divorced. Although I would see her around quite often, I had no desire dating her, as I felt that would be a disaster. Anyway, she would brag of how she took her husband for all his money, she was quite proud of it. Then she would go on bragging about how she planned to do the same to the next unfortunate guy who came along. I didn't know her long, but that attitude most likely lead to a life of misery and problems. This I knew, she was constantly dealing with problems and very few even people wanted to be around her.

Just think for a moment, how much trouble do we bring into our lives by taking the "It's all about me!" attitude? I believe a lack of concern for others and living for one's self is at the root of many problems, heartaches, divorces, broken families, and so on. When one is wrapped up in self, we fail to see the needs and feelings of others. It is not only what we say or do to someone, we fail to do what is good or right. Some may not even care how their actions effect someone else. If we let this self centered attitude grow, not only would it destroy relationships, it could lead us to commit crimes landing us in prison.Our prisons are full of people living for themselves. That got them a long ways in life didn't it? Then to take that further, a prideful self centered life may keep one from coming to the cross of Jesus Christ resulting in an eternity separated from God.

Maybe most of us do not go to the extreme as my ex-neighbor or those in prison, but we all have to battle with keeping self in the right place. I know I do. The Bible instructs us to do good and plant good seeds. In another words, invest in other peoples lives. When we help a believer in Christ who is in need, it is remembered in heaven, forever. When we have the opportunity to do good for an unsaved person, this might open the door to sharing Christ while making this person more receptive to the message of Jesus. This too, will be remembered in heaven for all eternity. Keep sharing the gospel, no telling how many eternal destinies God will change through it. When we invest in our marriages and families along with living life to bring glory to God, this leads to strong relationships. This too will remembered in heaven for all eternity. Our intercessory prayers will also be result in good things here on earth and remembered for all eternity.

Lord, your word say's I will reap what I sow. I desire to sow to the spirit, for I want to reap a bountiful harvest, not corruption. I must ask myself, am I going to sow to the flesh and reap corruption, or listed to God and sow to the spirit and reap a harvest which will last for all eternity?

Five Barley Loaves and Two Small Fish

John 6:5-9 NKJV

Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”

Sometimes I think what I give or do is not of much value.  I am not a great speaker nor will I ever write a bestselling Christian book or stand before coliseums full of unsaved people preaching the Gospel.  There are too many hungry people both physically and spiritually, what difference can I make? I can easily think like Philip and Andrew; “What I have is insufficient.”

 

Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. (John 6:10-13 NKJV)

The beautiful thing is I do not have to be a famous evangelist or a man with deep pockets. What little I give He can multiply and do wondrous things.  I do not have to solve the world’s problems, just be faithful to the Lord with what I have.

Bread Image: Rosemary Ratcliff / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Fish Image: Paul / FreeDigitalPhotos.net