It is telling that we devote so much time and energy to planning for our retirement,
which we may or may not see, and so little time planning for eternity, which we
certainly shall see. Retirement planning focuses on what one invests in the stock
market and real estate. Planning for eternity focuses on what one invests in the
Kingdom of God. Retirement planning focuses on what we keep. Planning for eternity
focuses on what we give away.
It is not wrong to plan and make arrangements for the time when we are no longer
able to work due to retirement or disability. “He who gathers in summer is a son
who acts wisely”. But Christ warned, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on
earth" . Our treasures define us because we put our hope in them and cling to them.
But temporal treasures do not cling to us. Money flies away, fame and beauty fade,
and power erodes. Like Sauron’s ring they exert power over us but will abandon us
in the end. Not only do they flee but they may stand in the way of attaining eternal
treasures. Think of how many people you know who unwisely treasured a personal or
business relationship which caused them to leave the path of the faithful, only
to later lose that relationship as well. Instead, “Lay up for yourselves treasures
in heaven.” Heavenly treasures are faithful and enduring. Martha’s sister, Mary
treasured her relationship to Jesus, which He said “shall not be taken away from
her.” The Pearl of Great Price will adorn us for eternity. So then, the path of
wisdom is to make all arrangements in this uncertain life with an eye to a certain
eternity.
This dual consideration is summed up in Paul’s instructions to Timothy: “Command
those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope
in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides
us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good
deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure
for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold
of the life that is truly life” (1 Tim. 6:17-19).
As of this writing we are on the precipice of a very exciting time in the life of
our church, the beginning of construction. Please continue to give faithfully to
the building fund so that construction costs will not hinder our ongoing ministry.