The phrase ‘to invest in one’s own future’ means to do things which are ultimately beneficial to oneself, even if there is a financial cost. This would seem so obvious a to need no further instruction, but in actual fact most of us are so immersed in the now that we rarely have time to ponder the future, let alone invest in it.
This living-in-the-now is not the same as trusting God and savouring the present. This kind of careless living is focussed on short-term pleasures and selfish gain, failing to take a ‘long view’ regarding goals and plans. It’s actually an inevitable way to invest in failure; the saying goes that those who fail to plan actually plan to fail…
The Bible urges us to ‘give careful thought to your ways’ (Haggai 1:5, 7, 15, 18). Prov 4:26 says ‘Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.’ We need to invest in our spiritual future, not simply feathering our own nestss but seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matt 6:33-34). We need to make strategic plans for our own spiritual growth, investing time, energy and money into our relationship with God, and seeking innovative ways of serving others. There’s nothing wrong with planning and investment per se, but the key is where the heart is.
We’ll be looking at how to build well in the church at a special meeting on Saturday 2nd March at 4 p.m. and hope that many of you will join us for this important chance to talk, pray, plan and look at how we can best serve God in our community.