"He that winneth souls is wise." (Proverbs 11:30)

I am not a financial genius. Far from it. But over the years I have learned a few things about money.

The first concept someone explained to me was that the earlier we invest, the longer our money will have to compound and grow. Through the years, small amounts become larger as our investments grow.

The second piece of advice was that to succeed we must hang in there through downward trends and reversals. Don't panic in the lean times. It's all long-term, they said.

Some of us did not understand these investment concepts when we first began working, so we missed the opportunity for long-term growth. Of course, when I look back at how much I made on that first job, I understand why investing wasn't a priority for me.

MOST VALUABLE COMMODITY

While I still am limited in my knowledge of investments and finance, I do know the most valuable commodity that exists. Its value is much greater than gold bullion or flawless diamonds. This thing of incomparable worth is the soul - mine, yours, the sinner's. According to the Bible, a soul is more valuable than the entire world.

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).

The implied answer is, "Nothing." Nothing compares to the value of one's soul.

Psalm 49:6-8 says: "They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him."

Mere money cannot buy a soul. The price is far greater than we could ever afford. But Someone paid the price for us at Calvary.

We must remember that it is God's will for everyone to be saved. "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (I Timothy 2:4). He "is not willing that any should perish" (II Peter 3:9).

THE BEST INVESTMENT

Also, as someone who has already experienced God's great salvation, the Lord expects each of us to win other souls. Investing in souls is the greatest thing anyone can do in this life.

In Luke 12:16-21 Jesus tells the parable of a rich man who made some good investments. There was no stock market in those days, but his ground "brought forth plentifully." Then, he decided to invest more. Caught up in the frenzied desire to increase his wealth, the man thought, "I will pull down my barns, and build greater . . . And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry."

But the man lost it all. God said, "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou has provided."

The Lord warned us of the folly of the rich man's thinking: "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

eTERNAL RICHES

The truly wise person will begin to invest early for the kingdom of God. Our dividends will multiply year by year. We are in this Christian life for the long-term, knowing we can ride out the rough spots because we have God's promises of eternal riches. What we invest in the kingdom of God brings us security, peace, and contentment. We are investing in eternity.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth . . . but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk