Investment

1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. 21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. 24 Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

When we think about retirement, we do a lot of research to attempt to determine where to place our money, and the goal is the greatest growth in the shortest period of time.

Obviously, (judging by the ads on TV about retirement funds,) there are a lot of differing opinions about where that investment may be best.

We could only wish people would do as much research into their eternal destination as they do in their earthly retirement…

Paul encourages Timothy to place his resources (and his church’s resources,) in the kingdom of Heaven. Send it on ahead!

Obviously, again, there may be many ways to do that. (Send the money ahead.) What Paul emphasizes here is the investment we make in the presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in the delivery of sound doctrine.

After teaching us about charity toward widows in verses 3 thru 16, Paul now turns his attention to the investment we are to make in those who teach us how to get to heaven in the first case, and how to stay on that narrow path in the second case.

Both of those are critically important to the church and for the church. They are well-worth investing in.

How often, upon seeing a person give their heart to Christ, do we connect that moment of salvation to our cheerful contribution to the tithe box? How often do we see our prayers for the elders, and the denial of rumors we may hear about them as being tied directly to the salvation of lost sinners?

Those things are inextricably and undeniably connected. For the elder, pastor, or teacher, the ability to spend time researching the Word of God unencumbered by worldly concerns is critical to the kingdom of Heaven. Is that worthy of investment?

   -  Pastor Bill