In teaching personal finance at ABC I am often asked about investing, since bank savings rates fell below one percent. In the parables of the talents in Matthew 25, Jesus Himself showed that at a minimum the servant should have put the money out to simple interest instead of burying it.

I always enjoy trying to do more with my money through various programs by understanding, and following, the rules of how things work. Although this analogy in Scripture is used to show we must grow spiritually, we can use the physical to extract lessons as well. Often what one does physically can help us do the spiritual.

It is much easier to recognize our efforts when monetized. Putting money in a savings account requires little work. For those who enter the financial markets, there is some work in keeping up on the latest economic events. The more the potential reward, the more diligence one must pay to the appropriate information to make sure they are making a profit and not taking a major loss. In some market instruments such as the futures market, fortunes are made or lost on a daily basis, simply on timing, requiring diligent and close attention.

Measuring our “doubling” effort  is not so easy when trying to count spiritually. If you are truly doubling your spiritual talents, you are continually asking God to help you. You are always looking for ways to learn more about God, helping your spiritual brothers and sisters and the community in general.

I learned about being in the world, but not part of it, when travelling with Herbert Armstrong. On one occasion, when he allowed me to accept a position on the board of King Leopold of Belgium, it was an honor. But more importantly I realized he did this to put me in a spotlight to show what I believed and how I lived.

Each of us is in God’s spotlight. If your Christian life is hidden from the world, what have you accomplished for Him? He knows how we act at all times, and how well it reflects Him and His Son as something others may not appreciate, but should notice. When you learn to reflect Jesus Christ in everything you do in public and private, when you learn to look for the little ways to serve, when you are tuned in to other’s needs and provide help, you have indeed doubled your talents, and your reward will be great.

At the feast we always have the opportunity to reflect God’s way of life. I enjoy reading the reports that show how well God’s people represent Him. Even our children show the light at our camps. It is an honor and privilege to join my fellow Christians in showing God’s plan and way of life through our conduct at every opportunity throughout the year. May the King say to each of us, “Well done,” as we enter His Kingdom.