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.<\/p>\n
In fact, when we look at God\u2019s Word I believe it is clear that the trip was in fact business related, more specifically an \u201cInvestment Outing.\u201d\u00a0 Matthew 6:20 calls us to \u201cStore up for yourselves treasures in heaven.\u201d\u00a0 So, as the team provided medical care, spiritual encouragement and \u201ccared for the least of these,\u201d they were in fact making an eternal investment. An investment, unlike earthly investments, that can never decrease in value.<\/p>\n
The great missionary C.T. Studd said it well when he wrote*,<\/p>\n
Two little lines I heard one day,
\nTraveling along life\u2019s busy way;
\nBringing conviction to my heart,
\nAnd from my mind would not depart;
\nOnly one life, \u2019twill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.<\/p>\n
Only one life, yes only one,
\nSoon will its fleeting hours be done;
\nThen, in \u2018that day\u2019 my Lord to meet,
\nAnd stand before His Judgement seat;
\nOnly one life,\u2019twill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.<\/p>\n
Only one life, the still small voice,
\nGently pleads for a better choice
\nBidding me selfish aims to leave,
\nAnd to God\u2019s holy will to cleave;
\nOnly one life, \u2019twill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cOnly one life, \u2019twill soon be past, only what\u2019s done for Christ will last.\u201d<\/p>\n