You Left Something Behind!

Rachel Klinge 

 
I think we all can relate to leaving something behind during our travels.  Airlines warn us to check the seat pocket in front of us before departing the aircraft.  Even so, we manage to leave something behind.  Whether it is our cell phone, book, or even something not seen, like our fingerprints testifying to the fact that we sat in seat C-13, intentional or not, we always leave something behind. 
 
God wants us to be intentional about leaving something for others.  It's not to be an accident but an investment. I have heard the term "invest" accurately defined as: to put into.  Despite the economy and housing market, it's time to make spiritual investments.  It's time to put into others.
Ecclesiastes 11:1 in the Message translation says,
"Be generous: Invest in acts of charity.
Charity yields high returns.
 
There is no need to wait for seasons of abundant resource, availability or ideal situations.  Ecclesiastes 11:3-4 instructs us not to sit around and wait for the most opportune time to work.  If we wait for just the right moment to plant (when there is no wind to blow away the seeds) or just the right moment to reap (when there is no rain in the clouds that could possibly destroy a ripe harvest), the result will be idleness and fruitlessness.          


In John 15:16 Jesus says, "You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."  What a powerful statement!  The idea of being an active investor was God's.  Prudent investments with a high return that are guaranteed never to diminish in value!  So take time to make an intentional spiritual deposit into someone this week.  You can evangelize, model Christ, support others in prayer, help others in need, or supply others with finance.  These things will never diminish in value!