The Best Investment
In these days of economic uncertainty, people are looking for good investments. That's usually "good" in the sense of "profitable." Many have lost significant amounts of invested resources. Those who still have some cash are looking for safe and profitable places to put it so that it doesn't disappear along with the billions that already have.
You'll find lots of experts with lots of advice about the best thing to do. Usually, that involves handing everything over to them to manage for you. If you consult more than one expert, you'll often find conflicting advice. Some say "Steer clear of the stock market just now. Who knows how low it will go?" Others say "Now is the time to invest in the market. It could go a little lower but when it rebounds, you'll already be well positioned to make big money down the road."
Some promote real estate, promising a big payout later. Others push gold, or precious gems, or art, or something else they can get for you at a modest (or not so modest) commission. It seems that whenever you find someone who advises you in one direction, someone else is quick to counsel you to go in another.
Ironically, though we put a lot of emphasis on our material wealth, it really represents an investment of another kind. We accumulate money and possessions through the investment of non-material strengths. These include things like skills, abilities, knowledge, wisdom, and character. But few think seriously about how to invest these things outside of their potential to earn money which they then think about a great deal.
Some might wonder about what help the Bible could offer as they look for a safe place to invest their hard-earned wealth until they need it. The fact is, the Bible does give a significant amount of investment advice, but focusses almost entirely on how to get the best return on the gifts God has given you - those non-material strengths mentioned earlier.
Here's one example: "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people." (Titus 3:8) Good works - God's idea of a great investment. It's great because the dividends it pays follow you when you leave time and step into eternity.
When it comes to the best investment, there's a world of difference between what most people would place in that category and what God identifies as such.
Ron Hughes
© December 2008
