People invest money in the hopes of making money. This is a reasonable expectation, but I told you to lay not up for yourselves treasure on earth where it is subject to theft or decay, but to lay up treasure in heaven where it is not subject to loss. Does this seem like sound reasoning? But how do you do that? Do you have a positive influence in the lives of other people? Do you strive to create a better world, beginning with small and simple acts of kindness, hospitality, and generosity to those you encounter during the day?

Do you think that Christianity is a single unified belief system and that the same is true of every other faith? Yet you see a tremendous diversity of positions between and even within denominations that identify as Christian. If you take other faith traditions seriously and inquire you will find the same principle in them, and even atheists come in different flavors. Do you think it is inherent in the concept of truth that it is single and unified and only one concept can be right? Is it discouraging to consider these concepts together? Do you recall the story of the Good Samaritan?

Have you ever been ‘set up’? Circumstances can lead you in a direction you would not deliberately choose. In some cases people who are well-rehearsed in advance can lead you in the direction they want you to go with a persuasive appeal. This can take you to a place that is beneficial for you, but more often the other party has their interests in mind rather than yours. Be awake and alert. Keep your loins girded and your lamps burning, and be as wise as serpents. Beware of those who would divert you from the strait and narrow way that I have set before you to lead you to life.

Have you ever had an experience that was ahead of your theology? Did this leave you searching the Bible for answers that matched your experience? Were you able to find them? Have you ever had theology ahead of your experience – believing things were true that you were unable to observe or experience directly? Did this leave you with a hunger to see it happen in your life? I can speak to you in many ways, including scripture and life. You can expect to find agreement between them. You can count it a blessing if your advancement in one area leads you to advance in another.