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Every wise person provides for the future. Whether we have I little or much, we like to lay aside savings for the future, preferably at interest. Since various investments are  available, a wise choice is very important. Consideration must be given to the safety of the investment and the interest rate offered.

Whatever our investment may be, we are faced with the fact "You can’t take in with you.” As the Bible says, "We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” ( I Tim. 6:7). This is true, whether we are rich or poor. Our investments and savings are left behind.

There is, however, one important exception to this rule. The Christian can make investments that will endure beyond his own life and brighten into eternity. Jesus said. ‘‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through and steal” (Matt. 6: 19,20). Laying up spiritual treasures in heaven is accomplished by following the Lord’s instructions.

First, one should become a Christian (also described in the New Testament as a member of the church, a member of the kingdom, a member of Christ's spiritual body). One becomes a Christian by submitting to the Lord's will--hearing the gospel (Rom. 10:17), believing its message (Heb. 11:6), turning form sin (II Pet. 3:9), and being baptized into Christ’s spiritual body ( I Cor. 12:13), for forgiveness of sins (Acts 22:16).

Then, as a member of the kingdom, or church, the Christian is instructed as follows: "And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). He is further taught to "do good..be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate” ( I Tim. 6:13). All who so dedicate themselves are promisod that they are "laying up in store...a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal Iife ( I Tim. 6:19).

With this long-range view of a completely safe investment, the Christian is less tempted to lay up temporal treasures upon this earth. "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition, For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Tim. 6:9,10).

Even those who have become wealthy have found, by experience, that they are not satisfied. "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase; this is also vanity" (Ecc. 5:10). Jesus said, "Beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things of which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).

With the Word of God as our guide, we must view money in its proper perspective. As Christians, we should not--and cannot--devote our lives primarily to the making of money, but should seek first the kingdom of God (Mat. 6:33). We should joyfully receive the blessings that God gives us, use them wisely, and give generously. Our Lord said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

Only the Christian has the privilege of investing in the eternal future. He is laying up treasures in heaven, because that is where he is going. Are you a Christian? God gave. His Son gave—that you might receive, and then give.

Garland Elkins, The Yokefellow, Sept. 2006

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