Spend or Don't Spend

 Financial investing is sometimes nerve-rattling; the stock market rises and falls in seconds. But it’s an investment you make, trusting it will pay off in the future.

Paul learned the joy of wise investing when he invited a young man to walk alongside him in ministry. From a child, Timothy was taught the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother and, although young, other Christians highly respected him. God’s apostle further instructed Timothy in the knowledge and faith of Christ, teaching him to share the Gospel, and Timothy often stayed behind to minister in places where they planted new churches. Paul developed a father’s love for Timothy and called him his son.

Believers in Christ, someone is looking to you as the mother, father, sister, or brother they never had. New and not-so-new believers long to know what step to take next, hungry to learn and grow as a believer but don’t know where to begin. Paul saw an opportunity to help someone develop as a Christian and willingly invested his life. Mentoring, investing yourself in others to help them personally takes time, resources, dedication, and sometimes sacrifice. Paul had a servant’s heart for the cause of Christ: “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you. . .” (2 Corinthians 12:15a). He made a wise investment in Timothy, and the “payoff” was clear from the fruit produced. Are you willing to be such a servant?