1 Corinthians 9:19-22 (ESV) 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.
21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.
22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
Happy Tax Day!! Oops wait a minute, this year it is the 18th isn't it? Darn! Guess we will have to wait until Monday to celebrate this annual occasion.(smile) On a somewhat connected note, do you notice anything about the above Scripture? Anything stand out? Well, that word "win" seems to be a common thread doesn't it? Let's see here...hmmm..
Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
It denotes gain or profit and is used in a variety of contexts in God's Word. Jesus used this word in contrasting worldly existence to eternal life.
Matthew 16:26 (ESV) 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
In another of Jesus's teachings he compares giving a life of service to God to an investment of money.
Matthew 25:15-16 (ESV) 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.
Understand this, to win, or gain, or profit requires an investment. Bank that for a minute, we will revisit it shortly.
Listen, the only thing that is free in the Gospel is salvation. The eternal,never ending, can't be taken away or lost, life is FREE OF CHARGE. Fully paid for on Calvary's Cross. HOWEVER, everything else involving our walk with Christ is costly. That is where this idea of investing and gain,.... winning, enters in. Bear with me a little.
You see, we are confronted with two choices. We can follow man's wisdom or God's. Let's try and put this in a cultural setting here. I am of the opinion that "investing " in the stock market is no different than buying a lottery ticket. Only difference is the better odds one has with the market. It is not an investment, but rather a speculation, a transaction involving considerable risk, offering the CHANCE of large gains; much like Powerball, but giving better odds. But,Powerball is a lot more fun!!! lol .The world offers us speculation. Considerable risk, no guarantees.
By comparison,look at that word "win." It literally means the activity of gaining or making a profit. A guaranteed return if you will. Once again let's take a cultural view. What the Bible is saying here is akin to taking your money down to the bank and depositing it into an account that pays interest.At the end of a certain amount of time, you, the depositor are GUARANTEED a return on your money. Put $50.00 in, get $100.00 at maturity. Well, I am dreaming here am I not? In today's world put $50.00 in, get $50.01 after a year.(BIG SMILE) I digress. The point is that it is not a speculation with a CHANCE of gain, but an investment with a GUARANTEE of return.
To wit, with the world's crap shoot, we get credit default swaps, sub prime mortgages and The Great Recession in every conceivable circumstance.
With God's Investing 101 we are guaranteed Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones.
BUT..........BUT
God's plan requires a deposit. An investment if you will. Do we want to be partakers in God's material blessings? Then we must make a material deposit, an investment in His work.
2 Corinthians 9:6 (ESV) 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
By the same token, do we want to be partakers in the spiritual inheritance and blessings that God has to offer? Then we must make an investment in our spiritual account.
Want inner peace and security in this mad,mad,mad,mad world? Make an investment.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) 3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Want to know God's Wisdom and will for your life? Make an investment.
James 1:5 (ESV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Want to see circumstances change in your life and the lives of your children and loved ones? Make an investment.
Philippians 4:6 (ESV) 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
You see brothers and sisters all that we do for God; the time spent alone with Him seeking His counsel, the money spent furthering His Kingdom, the sacrifices of service and ministry to Him and to His children WILL produce a return.GUARANTEED. A WIN-WIN FOR US! No lottery ticket here. Serving the Lord Jesus is money in the bank. A high tower to run into in our times of trouble in this life, and later on.......eternal life. Not a bad investment.
Psalm 128:1 (ESV) 1
God Bless
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