Spiritual Accounting 101...Continued from page 4

Fourth, believers need to realize that God's value system differs from that of people (16:14-15). Jesus boldly declares, " 'What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.' " God simply has a different standard for measuring what is important in life. He's more concerned about who we are than what we do. Things are important to people, while people are important to God.

On another occasion, Luke tells us that a man asked Jesus to instruct his brother to share the family inheritance with him (Luke 12:13-15). Christ refused and then warned those listening, " 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.' "

According to James, true religion looks after the poor and widows (James 1:27). And Jesus promises rewards to those who care for "one of the least of these" (Matt. 25:31-40).

And finally, believers must press their way into the kingdom of God (16:16). They press their way in. Jesus portrays those entering the kingdom as " 'forcing his [or her] way into it.' " (Cf. Matt. 11:12-13). No one enters the kingdom of God by accident. It requires a supernatural enablement of grace to maintain a constant commitment and an enduring effort. For instance, Luke later records in his gospel the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8). If that godly woman hadn't persevered in prayer, she would have never received justice.

There is plenty of corruption in the business world, as in any profession. Our responsibility as Christians is to let our lights shine in the darkness (Matt. 5:16). It'll require character to stand up for righteousness in the marketplaces of our country. Don't "be misled, 'Bad company corrupts good character' " (1 Cor. 15:33).

For a moment, think about how you could integrate your business and spiritual priorities.

Take for example, a former pastor of a large church who owned thousands of books. They were his prized possessions. Occasionally he would loan one out, but he always felt distraught when they came back damaged, however slightly.

Then God laid it on this pastor's heart to start a church library with his own books. After a few months, he noticed that many of the volumes had been checked out several times. Finally, it dawned on him. He was making an investment in other people's lives. From that time on, that pastor felt a sense of satisfaction whenever he noticed a book showing some frazzled edges. His perspective changed. That pastor learned a valuable lesson. God is the real owner of everything. We're just His managers.

Do you own or control something that you could honestly share with others? If so, start right away. The benefit will be you might just add another asset to your personal portfolio in heaven.

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