The following is a part of our weekly devotional series, which is a companion to the 2013 Foursquare Life Journal. This week’s Bible reading comes from Job 26-36; Ps. 120; Mark 15-16; 1 Cor. 1-8; and Gal. 1-6.
Scripture teaches much about the value of relationships—parents and children, husbands and wives, employers and employees, teachers and students. You have the opportunity to invest in others’ lives and make a difference.
I recall a wonderful relationship I had with my high school chemistry teacher, Mrs. Delaney. Chemistry was not my subject! So, every day at lunch, Mrs. Delaney chose to forfeit much-needed solitude to have lunch with me, and she attempted to increase my knowledge of chemistry. I am sure that her dedication to help others learn had no small part in my decision to become an educator; I have devoted much of my life to helping others discover the magic of learning.
But a less direct result of Mrs. Delaney’s investment in my life was her subsequent friendship with my mother. Very little drew them together except for a mutual concern for me and investment in my life. But they became fast friends and remained so until the end of their days. Mrs. Delaney’s investment in me produced long-term dividends and is still producing.
Today is a brand-new day—a day filled with possibilities! It is a day in which we can choose to make investments in others. We never know the difference that one small act of kindness will make to a desperate person. Your investment could make a difference in a person’s earthly life, but it could also change a person’s eternal destiny.
It is the kindness of God that draws us to Him. Likewise, our acts of kindness can help point others to His grace. Your investment in someone may result in that person having eternal life in Christ.
Gal. 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (NKJV). Paul continued by saying that sowing seeds to the flesh will result in corruption, but sowing seeds to the Spirit will result in everlasting life.
People often think that they can get away with bending or breaking the “laws” of life. However, a day of accounting is coming when every person will stand before the Lord. Paul reminded us in Gal. 6:9 to continue to do good even if doing so does not seem to have an immediate effect: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” In verst 10, he stated, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all.”
A new day is before you. Sow some good seeds!
By: Sterling Brackett, chief operating officer and corporate secretary for The Foursquare Church
Download the yearlong reading plan (PDF, 80 KB), or sign up for the full, online version of the Life Journal. To purchase a Life Journal for your own use, or to place a bulk order for church-wide use, visit FoursquareJournal.com. Learn more about Foursquare’s 2013 Life Journal project.
