Priorities (The Easy Way or the Hard Way)

Perhaps you have been struggling with personal stewardship. You feel you know the right thing to do, but the daily challenges of life keep you distracted from following through. Here’s the motivation you may be looking for…

The last chapter in any story is usually significant. In a book, the last chapter often clears up a mystery, puts together the pieces of a puzzle, or provides an exciting climax to a developing saga. Many times, the author uses the last chapter to summarize or emphasize a point. Consider the Bible.

The Old Testament

The last chapter in Malachi describes the nature of God’s judgment: “…and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze…” (Malachi 4:1) Fortunately, for those that choose to obey the Lord, the ending is a happy one: “But for you who fear My name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.” (Malachi 4:2)

The New Testament

The epilogue of Revelation provides words of comfort: “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” (Revelation 22:12)

It becomes clear to those who read the Bible that one day there will be a day of reckoning for all of us—we will have to give an account for everything that we have done. Pastor Rick Warren, in his book The Purpose Driven Life, describes our future meeting with the Lord. All of us will have to answer two questions:

• What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?
• What did you do with what I gave you?

Concerning question number two, what did you do with your gifts, talents, and resources? Did you use them on yourself? Or, did you use them for Kingdom purposes?

Your attitudes about money and possessions are a barometer of your relationship with Christ. Jesus taught often about stewardship. Heed His instructions and the last chapter of your life will be a happy one—one filled with eternal reward.

The views are those of Bruce Olmstead and not those of Summit Brokerage Services. Investments in securities do not offer a fix rate of return. Principal, yield and/or share price will fluctuate with changes in market conditions and, when sold or redeemed, you may receive more or less than originally invested.  No system or financial planning strategy can guarantee future results