Vested Interest

     Vested interest. What exactly does it mean? It's a familiar term. To have a vested interest is associated with a position of authority, responsibility, commitment, and ownership. A pastor administers wedding rites with the phrase that begins with, "By the power vested in me...." The employee who remains with a company long enough may earn vested interest, thereby enabling them to receive a certain amount of financial gain.   
      When power or authority is vested in something--or someone--that power or authority is a given; it is set, fixed, absolute, and unconditional. From a Biblical perspective, this is seen in Scripture. For example, in Matthew 28:18 it says,"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'" Jesus was given authority from God the Father over all matters on earth and in heaven.   
       What does a vested interest say about our spiritual life? Do we have a vested interest in our Lord and Savior to remain faithful and true? Though we may say, "Yes," it is likely that our faith wavers from what we'd like it to be. We are imperfectly human.   
       But there is a constant upon which we can depend, for God does not waver. His promises and his unconditional love are a given. If there is anyone who has a vested interest in us, it is Him!