It’s time to replace the tires on my truck. And because it is a 3/4 ton with 20 inch wheels, the bill will not be pretty. I’d rather not spend the money.
While I am tempted to go the cheap route to save money, I know these tires are literally where the rubber meets the road. They will pull heavy trailers, go off road, and need to last for many miles. If I go cheap, I will get cheap. That’s life.
This understanding is not restricted to buying tires. Here are a few examples.
“If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.”
“You may not get what you paid for, but you will pay for what you get.”
“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”
“You buy cheaply, you pay dearly.”
“Good work ain’t cheap, cheap work ain’t good.”
“Price is what you pay, value is what you get.”
“I don’t pay good wages because I have a lot of money; I have a lot of money because I pay good wages.”
A wise person would say the more you invest, the more you will receive. I think this is true in every aspect of life.
If you want a good marriage, invest in it.
If you want healthy, happy children, invest your time.
If you want a robust financial portfolio, invest your money.
If you want a just society, invest in it by voting.
If you want good friends, invest in friendship.
Most importantly, if you want a relationship with the One who can give your life a legitimate holy purpose, give you peace to navigate the storms of this existence, give you a strong moral compass, and give you wisdom to make healthy choices in every aspect of life, then you must invest.
Invest time in worshipping with your church family, reading the Bible, praying, and helping others carry their heavy burdens.
The book of Psalms begins with these words on investment: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3)
Choose to invest and be blessed.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in this world filled with competing demands for my time, treasure, and attention, help me invest in my relationship with you. Give me clarity to see what matters most. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Investing in our relationship with God will impact every aspect of life. It is truly the best way to live.
I need to buy new tires. It will be expensive. It’s worth it.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 