When my wife and I first got married, we decided to start investing in various funds. We sat down with a lady from Allstate and wrote a policy for life annuities for her and myself. Since that time, we have been able to invest in a 401-k and a couple IRA Wroth’s. Believe me when I tell you that it is not much; however, I do desire to make sure that my loved one’s are taken care of in the event something were to happen.
Recently, I have been speaking with a man from Edward Jones about making some additional investments. As I was speaking to him just the other day, I began to think about the investment each of us should be making not only in retirement or in the unforeseen, but also in ourselves.
I wonder, what are you doing to improve yourself? A man once said, “You make the world a better place by making yourself a better person.” How are you making the world a better place? Do you have a personal plan for growth? What are you doing to develop yourself? If you don't make a plan, you might not do anything.
Luke 2 says,
"I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
Ask yourself these questions when planning for the future:
1. Where do I want to be spiritually at the end of next year?
2. What spiritual goals do I want to accomplish next year (ministry, verses memorized, etc)?
3. What area of my life do I need to work on (patience, faith, prayer life, specific sin, etc.)?
4. What verses can I memorize to help me in the above mentioned area?
5. Who can I seek out to be my accountability partner to help me grow spiritually next year?
God desires that 2010 would be an even greater year of spiritual growth for you than 2009 was.
Remember as you enter a new year to keep your eyes on God, your focus on His will, and your determination to live for Him strong. Take time to invest in yourself. Others will be glad you did.
