sweat equity

Equity…the residual value of something after your subtract all the liabilities.

Sweat…what you do in the ‘Burgh when it’s 87 degrees with relative humidity of 75%

Sweat equity…what you build up during a VBS (vacation bible school) week.

It started today at 6 AM, when I awoke to begin the first day of VBS week. Ordinarily words like sweat, AM, and humidity are not those I embrace, but today they were. I got to work alongside a great group of teens, which is energizing to say the least, and at best, reminds me not to take myself too seriously, ever.

Our VBS theme this year is “Treasure Beach,” based on the verses in Matthew 6:20-21, which say, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” We’re anticipating a powerful week where kids will learn that they are God’s treasure and that the most important things they can commit themselves to are giving, celebrating God, helping, and receiving the gift of salvation.

The lives of these young people are precious; they are the treasure which must be stored up. Investing into their lives is one of the “funnest” privileges God could give me. There’s something special about putting your heart, mind and body to work for things of eternal value. The “liabilities” of heat, discomfort and fatigue come up short on the bottom line in the cause of Christ.

Sweat equity…worth the investment.