Ross-on-Wye is a scenic town in Herefordshire, England. Marked by its high church spire and old market house, a hilltop park provides a stunning view of the nearby River Wye. As you wander Ross’ streets, one name stands out: John Kyrle.

Born in 1637 to a wealthy family, John put his inheritance to good use. He built that hilltop park not for himself but for the community—an uncommon act at the time. He made a promenade along the river for public enjoyment, brought running water to the town, funded schools, sponsored apprenticeships for the unemployed, opened his home to the poor, and distributed bread from the market house.

As a longtime worshiper at Ross’ church, I wonder if today’s Scripture passage had anything to do with Kyrle’s philanthropy so many years ago. In those verses, Paul counsels the well-off in Timothy’s church to avoid taking pride in their wealth but instead to use it to do good (1 Timothy 6:17-18). While other lords built grand manors full of exotic possessions, Kyrle amassed heavenly treasure by investing in others (v. 19).

Each of us has a certain amount of time, talent, and resources at our disposal, which we are called to use well. Whether a little or a lot, John Kyrle can be an example to us as we glorify God by investing in others’ lives.