Heaven’s Economy

The economy is probably the most analyzed, debated, and reported news story of any year, especially in presidential election year. Its kind of like the weather: its a complex system of global forces beyond our control that affects everyday live — and when it comes to forecasts the “experts” can really blow it.

As Christ-followers we’re a part of another economy: the economy of heaven, which is 180-degrees opposite of earthly markets. Where else but in heavens economy do you lose in order to gain? (See John 12:25) The reality is that someday all that constitutes the world’s economy will be gone, but heaven’s economy lasts for eternity. And in this economy, there are no recessions or downturns! With that perspective, Jesus gives us the best investment advice ever: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be”(Matthew 6:19-21 NLT).

What we know about the world’s economy influences both our attitudes and actions. How much more then for heaven’s economy? In the world’s economy, a person exchanges his or her labors for money that can then be used for both the necessities and luxuries of life. In heaven’s economy, we can exchange our labor and finances for eternal reward.

When it comes to the Great Commission, I believe two things are clear. First, no one can come to Christ apart from the Holy Spirit. Second, no one can hear the gospel unless we tell them. I don’t fully understand this equation, and indeed this is the subject of much theological debate. Yet like so many of God’s mysterious ways, He gets the glory and we get the benefit.

In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Paul is speaking of believers when he writes, “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” The “foundation” he speaks of is the gospel of Christ. Accepting the gospel and believing in Christ gets us into heaven — and that’s an incredible truth in itself. The work being tested here, the only work that’s of any value in the economy of heaven, is the work of sharing the gospel with others. The “quality” of that work is seen in our motivations, our attitudes, and our results.

I see the realities of heaven’s economy at work every day through Global Media Outreach. A total of 1.3 million people indicated a first-time or recommitment decision for Christ in 2007 — a 280% increase from the year before. In faith, we’re expecting an even bigger harvest this year. Our bottom line is this: God uses money that people invest in our ministry to populate heaven with people who have heard His message and responded to His love. And that’s the true reward for the people who partner with me in ministry.

Thanks again for your prayers and support.

Yours in Christ,