Devotional

Make it Count

Ready 

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
-Matthew 6:19-20a

Set 

Today, the FCA family is celebrating the life of one of its heroes. Longtime FCA teammate Ed Britton went home to be with the Lord this morning, leaving behind him an unsurpassed legacy of faith, passion and life. Anyone who came into contact with Ed, even for the briefest of moments, was left with an impression of Christ and a fresh desire to make an impact for Him. No one could leave an encounter with Ed without being completely fired up for Christ and ready to go out and make a difference in the world! He was truly one of a kind, and we will miss him so much.

As we gathered to pray this morning, we began discussing what the celebration was like for Ed in Heaven. When such a faithful servant enters eternity, how long does the party last? Obviously, Ed would be celebrated by the Lord and those who have gone before him, but then what about all the people whose lives he had touched? We wondered if there wasn’t a line several miles long of people who wanted to thank Ed for touching their lives on earth.

Have you ever wondered about your own “home-going”? Have you ever wondered if there will be anyone there to thank you for taking the time to invest in them when you were on earth? My guess is that if we even have to think about that, we need to make some adjustments. I know I do.

Today is a good day to evaluate how you are spending your time here on earth. Are you living your life to make an impact on those around you? Are you, at every moment, loving others with the overflowing love of the Holy Spirit? If not, change! It’s a command of Christ that we love others and serve them. And there’s no excuse for not obeying that one. Any excuse we would use would be based out of pride or fear.

Do this, and not only will you bless others here on earth and receive blessings in return, but you will also make an impact on eternity—where it really counts. And you know what? Just like Ed Britton’s, your home-going will be that much sweeter.

Go 

1. Are you making an impact for Christ on anyone around you?
2. What is keeping you from loving others with the abundant love Christ offers you?
3. Make a list of five people who need to receive the love of Christ through you today, and then follow through on investing in their lives.

Workout 

Ecclesiastes 3:9-14
Matthew 6:19-21
Matthew 22:34-40

Bible Reference: 
Matthew 22