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Investing up.

That was an interesting illustration in Nicholas' sermon last week. Investing money, time, effort, relationships in the direction of eternity. In the direction of what God is doing in his world in order to help others share in the life of God.

Which is not necessarily the same as investing in church activities. It could include such things. Indeed hopefully our investments would include church activities. But church activities themselves must also be invested upwards. And church money, and church relationships, and church time – all should be invested upwards.

Obvious I suppose, since church is supposed to be about God's work in his world to bring people to share his life, find forgiveness and enjoy a family relationship with him. But the forces that tend to encourage individuals to invest downwards also affect the church.

The cure? Wanting more than anything else to be with Jesus. That was one of the hidden features of last week's story – all the ones who were waiting and ready went into the banquet with the bridegroom. With the bridegroom. With Jesus. That's what makes Christianity. It is all about Jesus.

Loving Jesus. Serving Jesus. Waiting for Jesus. Being with Jesus. Investing in Jesus.

Dale

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