But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of thee; then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?” So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Luke 12:20-21 (also read Philippians 3:7-8)
In recent years, lots of people have been forced to decide what is most valuable to them. There have been hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike that battered the American Gulf Coast states. Then there were the massive 2008 floods in the Midwest, and the unusually severe 2007 Southern California wildfires. In each case, hundreds of thousands of people were forced to abandon their homes, taking their most valuable possessions with them.
What would you take if you were given two hours to evacuate your home and flee an impending disaster? Most people take things they don’t use every day: family pictures, personal and family records and legal documents, heirlooms and items of value. Many things that we think we can’t live without (TV, music, sports equipment) would be left behind. It behooves us not to decide what’s most important just in times of crisis, but every day. And we need to invest God’s resources in that which is most important, as well.
Only two things will last for eternity: the souls of people and the Word of God. Investing in both now is the best way to lay up treasures in heaven. (from Turning Point)
The limit of giving is to be the limit of our ability to give. (C. S. Lewis)
