On my return this week from a brief missions trip to the Dominican Republic, I was struck, as I went through U.S. Customs, by the need to indicate whether the purpose of my trip was, in fact, business related. Truthfully, the trip felt more like a family vacation, as a result of the wonderful people who accompanied me, including Joanna Elam, a nurse from Reston Hospital, picture above with Charina, a lovely girl suffering from Down Syndrome, raised for years in horrific conditions including backyard isolation and treatment as an animal, but now in the loving care of Pasitos de Jesus, an orphanage for girls.
In fact, when we look at God’s Word I believe it is clear that the trip was in fact business related, more specifically an “Investment Outing.” Matthew 6:20 calls us to “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” So, as the team provided medical care, spiritual encouragement and “cared for the least of these,” they were in fact making an eternal investment. An investment, unlike earthly investments, that can never decrease in value.
The great missionary C.T. Studd said it well when he wrote*,
Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
So, as we approach a season increasingly associated with Expenditure, ensure you take time for Investment, as you give of your time and treasure to Christ-centered service organizations, remembering “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
*Full Text of Quote can be read here.
