Listen to today’s devo!

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)

These are the stories of two men and their eternal investments.

C. T. Studd was a well-known, accomplished cricketer in his native England. Greatly moved by the work of missionary Hudson Taylor, he became a part of the Cambridge Seven, university students who became missionaries to China. He would later serve in India and eventually Africa, establishing the Heart of Africa Mission.

Our friend Ron, newly retired from teaching, settled in rural Pennsylvania, renovated an old farmhouse, and became a dairy farmer. He coached his church’s Bible quiz team during those years, studying Scripture with young people, helping them build strong foundations on God’s Word. Then one day he sold his cows and moved to Zambia. For the next ten years, using his knowledge of farming, he taught the Zambians how to use their resources, as well as to build dams and dig wells, improving their quality of life. He was mentoring young adults in a local Christian ministry when his heart stopped beating.

These two men from different backgrounds, different eras, and different cultures never lost sight of God’s Word and the work he had for them to do. C. T. Studd, who was also a poet, wrote these words, which are among his best known: “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” Yes, they both invested well.

Use your abilities and resources for the things that last.

Marcy Burke enjoys living in Alabama, being a retired pastor’s wife, former missionary, and worship leader. She enjoys playing the piano and taking long walks with her husband, Larry.

© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.