Think Multi-Generationally
September 18th, 2006 | Michael Pink
Land was an inheritance passed down from generation to generation. It speaks of enduring contribution and generally seems to increase in value over the years. When it comes to business, I believe we need to build with a long term view in mind and increase the value of what we build. We need to think multi-generationally. After all, God often revealed himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. God builds for eternity and He builds something through the generations. What He initiated with Abraham, he continued to build through Isaac and Jacob and He continues to build down through the ages to this day.
So, are you thinking long term or short term? Maybe you expect to be raptured out of here later this week or later this year or certainly within the next few years. But what if Christ tarries? He didn’t show up for the big date predicted back in ‘88 or by 2000 and for those of us who have been Christians a few decades, we well remember those predictions. He may come before you get this email, but our job is to “occupy till He comes” (Luke 19:13) The word “occupy” literally means to “busy oneself with trade, to improve, to employ in business, for the purpose of increasing it or of making profit on it.”
So I say, let’s occupy. Let’s improve our business, our product, our service. We may just be leaving a legacy for the next generation. What kind of legacy will it be?
September 19th, 2006 at 8:12 am
Absolutely wonderful for Christians of all denominations. Reminds me of my purpose. Thanks.
September 19th, 2006 at 9:07 am
you are so right to remind Christians to be active and engaged. Too many look at what they see as signs of the end times and look for an escape. Rather, the tough times are the ones where Christians can shine all the more and demonstrate who Jesus is and what He is all about. We are here to minister and to serve, to be engaged and active, to make a difference in the world.
Something to think on - I know the rapture teaching, but have never been able to reconcile it with the parable of the wheat and tares, for when the end came, the tares where taken first.
September 19th, 2006 at 11:15 am
We are to take the big-picture, long-term approach otherwise we are being selfish and self-serving.
When one invests in anything, the investment is for the long term not short-term. So should our life here on earth be. We maybe “taken” tonight, but most likely not. Therefore we must act and plan accordingly.
I look forward with great anticipation to my “heavenly home. But in the meantime, I am doing everything I am able to do to make sure that the legacy I leave, to my loved ones or anyone else I have or will come in contact with will know who I was and more importantly, who I served while here on earth. I can do no less.
September 19th, 2006 at 11:23 am
I agree with Jay. Jesus prayed in John 17, “I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil.” I think God will answer the prayers of Jesus and I think we may be around for awhile.