Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. John 12:25

 

What do you own that would devastate you if you lost it?

 

The wealthy business executive was ready to retire. He bought an exquisite mansion in one of the country’s most expensive areas. He renovated for two years, furnishing it with the antiques and priceless artwork he’d acquired throughout his lifetime. And then came the fire. Everything burned to the ground. The man was still understandably bitter even a year after it had happened. Success by human standards doesn’t insulate from destruction and loss.

 

Here’s what God tells us to invest in, pursue, and treasure for an eternal future. First, God tells us to prioritize a life of love, loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Mark 12:30-31)! When we love God this way, we also freely receive His love for us. It heals us and satisfies our hearts. Then, God tells us to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). He also instructs us to trust Him with our money, give generously, seeing our giving as an eternal investment storing up rewards for us (2 Corinthians 9:6). Our mission is to share His love and invite as many people as possible into God’s family (Matthew 28:18-20).

 

Spending our lives for what we can gain in this life is what Jesus was talking about when He said, “Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity” (John 12:25). Prioritizing love for God and others, and leaning hard into Him in trust through difficult times that always come in this life, will free us to give and experience the joy that our resources were meant to enable. Let’s live for what lasts.