What lifestyle decisions might be made by one who is laying up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21)? Both our major and minor choices must be significantly influenced by this principle from our Lord about living for eternity. This includes how we use our time, accumulate and spend our resources, and use our talents and strength. If our heart’s desire is to honor Christ and pursue the eternal, then we must be willing to take practical steps to store up heavenly treasure. Here are some ideas.

Choose a Home That Will Facilitate Ministry

Why did you choose the home where you live? There are many factors to consider: affordability, neighborhood, safety, convenience, school choices, local government policies, taxes, etc. These are good and natural concerns.

A follower of Jesus Christ whose highest motivation in life is serving Christ doesn’t stop with these considerations. His or her mind is thinking of gospel ministry: Where is the light of the Gospel most needed? Where can my home and family be most useful for ministry? Is there a struggling local church where my family can plug in and serve? I know a family who chose to live in an inner-city area for the sole purpose of assisting a small church plant in a difficult situation. It was a sacrifice for them to do this, but it was their joy to meet a real need for the Gospel. Wages were lower, costs were higher, and housing was less convenient—yet they went.

For some Christians, it may be the choice to live in a progressively socialist state or city. While others flee en masse, these folks choose to stay to strengthen churches and provide a witness in the increasing darkness.

Simplify Lifestyle

I know families that have determined not to accumulate expensive “stuff” to free up resources. Their houses are not filled with expensive furniture. Their basements, garages, and attics are not overflowing. They buy what they need and live simply as a lifestyle commitment. They do this not to be self-righteous but to free up resources for the Lord’s work and teach their children to do the same.

What would happen if followers of Jesus committed themselves to living simply for the sake of the Gospel? What if they systematically sold excess tools, toys, gadgets, and clothing, and put the proceeds into gospel projects? What if, instead of buying an expensive new car, they instead bought an older one and put the difference toward local church ministry?

Part of maintaining a simple lifestyle is a commitment to avoid unnecessary debt. Being content with less and living simply could free up many opportunities to be generous for the Gospel.

Surrender Job Choice

Believers focused on the Great Commission will choose their vocation carefully, prayerfully considering whether God has called them to full-time ministry. For them, the motivations of money, personal fulfillment, security, and comfort are secondary considerations. They want opportunities to know unbelievers and be a witness for Christ Jesus. What if some who work online from home chose work where they could rub shoulders with lots of people every day instead? What if they turned down lucrative careers in order to serve Christ in cross-cultural missions?

Refuse to Play Away Retirement

I have met American retirees in Southeast Asia whose sole purpose in moving there as senior saints was to be salt and light among unreached peoples. These believers were mature and had the means, so they left family and friends and relocated to serve in needy places. Others I know volunteered for all kinds of ministries in their local churches. Some retired pastors continue to use their gifts as interim pastors and pulpit supply or come alongside younger pastors to support them.

These folks could have played away their retirement. Like the condemned widow of 1 Timothy 5:6 who “is self-indulgent and dead even while she lives,” many waste their latter years taking cruises, traveling the world, eating at the best restaurants, playing golf, and recreating their time away. While these activities are not evil in themselves, to live for selfish pleasure is. Some people are intentional about retirement. They choose to actively serve Christ and to use their financial independence to do so. Ask the Lord how you might adapt these or other practical ways to live for eternity!

This post was first published on GFA’s Commissioned and use by permission. You can read the original article HERE.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version.