The Eternal Investment: Giving What You Cannot Keep

In a world obsessed with accumulating wealth and possessions, the words of Jim Elliott resonate with profound truth: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” This quote challenges us to rethink our priorities and focus on eternal investments rather than temporary gains. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are called to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us” through our mission of “Just 3” – Study, Share, Serve.

The Rich Fool’s Misstep

The parable of the rich fool, found in Luke 12:16-21, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing material wealth over spiritual richness. The rich man in the story was so focused on storing up his earthly treasures that he missed the essence of life. Jesus warns us that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, but in being “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

Study: Understanding Eternal Values

To align our lives with God’s priorities, we must delve into His Word. Scriptures like Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19 remind us to store up treasures in heaven, where they cannot be destroyed or stolen. By studying these passages, we learn that true wealth is found in our relationship with God and in the eternal impact we make through our actions.

Share: Counting Blessings, Not Possessions

Sharing our blessings with others is a tangible way to demonstrate our faith and love. Acts 2:44-45 describes the early Christians who shared everything they had, fostering a community of love and support. At Lakeview Christian Church, we encourage our members to share their time, talents, and resources to build meaningful relationships and make a difference in the lives of others.

Serve: Living Out Love in Action

Service is a powerful expression of love and a way to shift our focus from self to others. By serving our community, we embody the love of Christ and invest in eternal treasures. Lakeview Christian Church offers numerous opportunities to serve, from local outreach programs to global missions. Through service, we fulfill our mission to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.”

Conclusion The message of the rich fool reminds us that true life is found in aligning our hearts with God, not in accumulating wealth. As we reflect on our own lives, let us consider how we can invest in eternal treasures through study, sharing, and serving. By doing so, we become the change that Jesus has called us to be, impacting our world for His glory.