CAPITAL – WHAT IS IT?

1.)  IT IS INVESTED IN SOMETHING.

2.)  IT CAN PROVIDE A RETURN.

3.)  IT CAN BE SPENT.

4.)  IT CAN BE DESIGNATED FOR A SPECIAL PURPOSE.

5.)  WITHOUT IT WE ARE BANKRUPT.

What are the different types?  Well, there is money or capital that is invested in a business.  As a shareholder you generally trade your money for stock in a corporation.  If the company prospers and makes a profit then it adds to the company's capital. Obviously if the company is suffering losses, then it subtracts from the company's capital.  If you have too many losses, you will use all your capital and end up bankrupt. 

There is also such a thing as working capital - short term assets minus short term liabilities.  This is very important for companies that have inventory.

Sometimes we refer to political capital; or intellectual capital.  President Bush was said to have put all his political capital on the line during the recent elections. He bet the farm.  And, as we now know, his capital investment came back several fold in a Republican controlled House and Senate.

We also have capital which can be referred to as spiritual or moral capital or what I call "Gospel" capital.  Just like money you gather it over time. This capital comes to you by living according to the word of God.  If you put the Word into your heart, you have the wherewithal to preach the Gospel to others around you.  Having invested wisely, you  return dividends to its original investor, God...giving Him glory on earth.

You can also waste it away by sinning...taking away your credibility as a "Gospel" investor.  However, unlike the financial net called bankruptcy to bail you out, when you waste or spend your spiritual or moral capital by sinning, the creditor still expects you to pay back every cent.  Unless you have a Champion willing to lay it on the line for you named Jesus.

Are you gathering spiritual capital or are you wasting it faster than you can gather it?  Maybe, your account is about to be called due.  Do you have the moral capital to stand before the King of Kings? 

What does God’s Word has to say about it?

Matt 25:14-30
14 "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves, and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 "And to one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 16 "Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17 "In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. 18 "But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the ground, and hid his master's money. 19 "Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 "And the one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, 'Master, you entrusted five talents to me; see, I have gained five more talents.' 21 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.' 22 "The one also who had received the two talents came up and said, 'Master, you entrusted to me two talents; see, I have gained two more talents.' 23 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' 24 "And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25'And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground; see, you have what is yours.' 26 "But his master answered and said to him, 'You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I scattered no seed. 27'Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28'Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.' 29 "For to everyone who has shall more be given, and he shall have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 "And cast out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 
NAS

Eph 5:3-19

3          But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

4          Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

5          For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-- such a man is an idolater-- has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6          Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

7          Therefore do not be partners with them.

8          For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

9          (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

10       and find out what pleases the Lord.

11       Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

12       For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

13       But everything exposed by the light becomes visible,

14       for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

15       Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise but as wise,

16       making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

17       Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

18       Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

19       Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

(NIV)