What is your most valuable asset?
Here at Church Investors Fund, we talk a lot about financial assets—investable assets, liquid assets, net assets, total assets, and more. If you live in the United States or Canada and are blessed to own your home, then your house is quite probably your most expensive asset. That may be true, but is your home your most valuable asset? Far from it.
There’s a significant difference between cost (price) and value. For example, a stranger would be unlikely to pay anything for a photo of your family, though you might consider it extremely valuable.
In our hearts, we all know that real value is not found in material things. While we know this to be true, we all have a tendency to focus on things of temporary value. This is why Jesus reminded us:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
So, what is your most valuable asset? I believe your most valuable asset is your time. Like every person who came before you, your time on this Earth is limited and you cannot earn or create more of it. In fact, Jesus’ brother James called your life “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Your time is valuable because it is scarce.
Certainly it is wise to spend your time working, earning a living, and—yes—investing financial resources for the future. (Even in financial planning, time is often the key factor. When you invest for a short time, your dollars earn a small amount of interest. But when you invest for a longer time, earning interest on your interest, your investments grow significantly.) As Christians, we are called to do more. As you go about your life, remember not to squander your time. Even on your busiest days, be sure to spend your valuable time wisely by serving the Lord and your neighbor.
The Apostle Paul used his time extremely well. Whether traveling, working, or serving time in prison, he always sought ways to spread the Gospel and further the Kingdom. To the church in Ephesus, he wrote: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
In other words, spend your time well—because it is truly your most valuable asset.
