Where do you Invest your Time?
How can we make an investment that never ceases to bring eternal returns? In a word it’s Evangelism; for the sole purpose of others to gain Righteousness! Defined, Evangelism means : Zealous preaching and advocacy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ . And, Righteousness means: Morally upright; without guilt or sin. Who among us is guiltless and sinless? NONE!
A little known fact stated in Daniel 12:3 says: “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness (shall be) like the stars forever and ever.” Further James 5:19-20 tells us: “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way (To Righteousness) will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
We could and should assist the homeless by finding them housing, the hungry by serving food and the down and out by providing counseling and being attentive. All of these things we should do when they fit our Spiritual Gifts. However, we must also include following the Great Commission which Jesus commanded us to do. Thus, we are to try to follow Daniels statement: “…. those who turn many to righteousness ( shall be) like the stars ‘forever’ and ever”.So, just how do we turn people to Righteousness? We don't just want "forever." We want to know we will enjoy it.
Daniel tells us what makes or breaks eternity in the resurrection: Righteousness. Loving it, drinking it in, leading others to it, investing in it. Righteousness is the key. The quality of our Righteousness on earth has everything to do with the quality of our eternity.
Those who are wise also know that there's a problem. We are inherently unrighteous. An eternity based on earthly Righteousness is a devastating predicament for people who are, in their very genetics, infected with corruption. Are there any who can really lead others to Righteousness? Now that’s a loaded question. What’s your answer? Will any of us shine like the brightness of the heavens? Or is the promise empty? Righteousness is a gift from a holy heaven to an infected race. It comes from outside ourselves available only through faith in its Giver. So we must tell others about this Giver who is Jesus the Christ, our Creator, our God and our Savior.
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:14 “ But even if you should suffer for Righteousness’ sake, you are blessed.” And know for sure that you will suffer, some folks more than others. Some may just argue with a neighbor over the contents of the Gospel, others may be martyred for simply mentioning the name Jesus.
Ps 11:7 states, “For the LORD is Righteous, He loves Righteousness.” What do these words say to you and me? If we believe that the LORD mentioned is Jesus Christ our Creator, God and Savior, then we should encourage everyone we know to become as Righteous ( morally upright) as possible.
Ps 111:3 says “His (The LORD’s) work is honorable and glorious, and His Righteousness endures forever”. Forever! That’s a long time. How important do you believe it is to tell others about Righteousness? It’s very important!
In addition, Paul relates to us in Romans 3:21; “But now the Righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed………. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His Righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate……… that He (God the Father) might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (God the Son). Further in Galatians 3:21 Paul says; “Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.”
Evangelism ( promotion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ)is one way to make an investment that never, ever ceases to bring abundant returns. Again we quote from Daniel 12:3, it says: “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to Righteousness ( shall be ) like the stars forever and ever.” For evangelism hints see the ProJesus.com web site; click on “Why should we know Jesus” and then “Friendly Activities”. And remember, let us not forget the homeless, the elderly, the sick, those in prison and the down and out.
It’s one thing to write about or to read about Righteousness. But, it’s a completely different mind set to actually “tell” people about the Gospel and being Righteous and how important it is to our future.
Let us pray for gentle boldness when we present the Gospel and Righteousness to our neighbors, family and friends. AMEN!
In the Love of Christ
Fred Clarence
