You might wonder, “How can I protect my hard-earned savings?” Imagine working tirelessly for decades, only to see your retirement savings vanish overnight. This was the reality for Charles Prestwood, a retired pipeline operator who lost everything in the Enron scandal. His story is a stark reminder of how fleeting worldly wealth can be. But what if I told you there’s a way to invest your resources that guarantees eternal returns?
In this blog post, we’ll explore timeless lessons from Revelation 18 that teach us how to wisely invest our resources. By the end, you’ll understand why it’s crucial to focus on heavenly treasures and how you can start making that shift today.
The Fragility of Earthly Wealth
Charles Prestwood’s story is a modern-day parable. After retiring with $1.3 million in Enron stock, he thought he was set for life. But in November 2001, Enron’s fraudulent practices came to light, and the company’s stock plummeted to nothing. Charles lost everything. His experience teaches us a vital lesson: earthly wealth is fragile and can disappear in an instant.
You might be thinking, “I don’t have millions in stock, so this doesn’t apply to me.” But the truth is, we all have something we rely on for security—whether it’s a job, a house, or a savings account. The Bible warns us about the temporary nature of these things. In Revelation 18, we see a vivid depiction of the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the collapse of worldly systems and wealth. This chapter serves as a wake-up call to invest in what truly matters.
Investing in Eternal Treasures
So, what should you do? How can you secure your true treasure? The answer lies in shifting your focus from earthly wealth to heavenly treasures. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Here are some practical steps to start investing in eternal treasures:
Prioritize Your Relationship with God: Spend time in prayer and Bible study. Make your relationship with God your most valuable asset.
Serve Others: Use your time, talents, and resources to help those in need. Acts of kindness and generosity are investments in God’s kingdom.
Share the Gospel: Tell others about Jesus. Leading someone to Christ is the most valuable investment you can make.
Live with Integrity: Make ethical choices in your personal and professional life. Your character is a reflection of your heavenly investment.
Why This Matters
You might wonder, “Why should I care about investing in heavenly treasures?” The answer is simple: earthly wealth is temporary, but heavenly treasures are eternal. When you invest in God’s kingdom, you’re securing a future that can’t be taken away. Plus, living a life focused on eternal values brings peace, joy, and fulfillment that money can’t buy.
Taking the Next Step
The point is, Jesus wants your whole heart. What will you do this week to give it to Him? Maybe it’s spending more time in prayer, volunteering at a local charity, or sharing your faith with a friend. Whatever it is, take that step today. Without taking this step, you’ll miss out on what Jesus wants for you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us of the fragility of earthly wealth and the importance of investing in Your kingdom. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You, serve others, share the Gospel, and live with integrity. Guide us to make choices that reflect our eternal values. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In this blog post, we’ll explore timeless lessons from Revelation 18 that teach us how to wisely invest our resources. By the end, you’ll understand why it’s crucial to focus on heavenly treasures and how you can start making that shift today.
The Fragility of Earthly Wealth
Charles Prestwood’s story is a modern-day parable. After retiring with $1.3 million in Enron stock, he thought he was set for life. But in November 2001, Enron’s fraudulent practices came to light, and the company’s stock plummeted to nothing. Charles lost everything. His experience teaches us a vital lesson: earthly wealth is fragile and can disappear in an instant.
You might be thinking, “I don’t have millions in stock, so this doesn’t apply to me.” But the truth is, we all have something we rely on for security—whether it’s a job, a house, or a savings account. The Bible warns us about the temporary nature of these things. In Revelation 18, we see a vivid depiction of the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the collapse of worldly systems and wealth. This chapter serves as a wake-up call to invest in what truly matters.
Investing in Eternal Treasures
So, what should you do? How can you secure your true treasure? The answer lies in shifting your focus from earthly wealth to heavenly treasures. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Here are some practical steps to start investing in eternal treasures:
Prioritize Your Relationship with God: Spend time in prayer and Bible study. Make your relationship with God your most valuable asset.
Serve Others: Use your time, talents, and resources to help those in need. Acts of kindness and generosity are investments in God’s kingdom.
Share the Gospel: Tell others about Jesus. Leading someone to Christ is the most valuable investment you can make.
Live with Integrity: Make ethical choices in your personal and professional life. Your character is a reflection of your heavenly investment.
Why This Matters
You might wonder, “Why should I care about investing in heavenly treasures?” The answer is simple: earthly wealth is temporary, but heavenly treasures are eternal. When you invest in God’s kingdom, you’re securing a future that can’t be taken away. Plus, living a life focused on eternal values brings peace, joy, and fulfillment that money can’t buy.
Taking the Next Step
The point is, Jesus wants your whole heart. What will you do this week to give it to Him? Maybe it’s spending more time in prayer, volunteering at a local charity, or sharing your faith with a friend. Whatever it is, take that step today. Without taking this step, you’ll miss out on what Jesus wants for you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us of the fragility of earthly wealth and the importance of investing in Your kingdom. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You, serve others, share the Gospel, and live with integrity. Guide us to make choices that reflect our eternal values. In Jesus’ name, Amen.