brave

I heard a line in a popular movie recently, that got me thinking about life ownership. “I lead a small quiet life. But is it because I like it or because I’m not brave.” I take diligent care of my house because of its value to me. At the same time I am tending its value to the mortgage holder. If I am careless, I could lose the house and every penny I’ve put into it. I am accountable to the one who holds the mortgage on this house.

How tedious I am with things in this vapor we call life (James 4.14). But, I have another mortgage, my life. God holds this mortgage. Just like the bank holds interest in how I care for my investment, God is interested in how I’m caring for His investment-me and all the abilities He’s given. Jesus told a story of a man who spent all his life tending vaporous investments. In man’s economy, he lived a large, loud life. But he wasn’t brave enough to look into what really matters. (Luke 12.13-21). At the height of it all, God called him to account. Nothing he did on earth had any value in God’s economy. 1st Corinthians 3.9-16 teaches that our works will be tested by fire. Jesus said we’d give account for every idol or useless word we speak (Matthew 12.36). He went farther to say that everything that is hidden will be brought to light (Luke 8.17).

I want to live bravely enough to open “the books” on my heart and let the Soul Inspector (Holy Spirit) search my motives. I want to tend God’s investment in me well. I want to make sure my life influences others eternally-treasures in Heaven. We have the privilege of knowing this Lender personally, through His infallible word-the Bible and the Holy Spirit. Because of Christ’s personal investment of obedience to death on a cross, we can call on the Lender personally to help us make repairs!! I’m challenged to become the person described in James 1.25-27, living out true religion. That’s proper life ownership, and it will bring eternal dividends for me and it will honor my God. I want to be responsible with my life, my mortgage, by being brave enough to step out and live the love Christ showed us all. Please be encouraged to do the same because of His great love for you. May we all become more tedious for eternal things, not just comfortable with what we have.