Treasures in Heaven

For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.

– Matthew 25:29

What’s the best way to invest money these days?

According to Google’s AI overview, options include diversified index funds and retirement accounts for long-term growth, but ultimately it depends on your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance. Meanwhile, top financial gurus recommend everything from precious metals to stocks and bonds to Bitcoin. Considering the economic uncertainties that hang over our nation (and the world, for that matter), this is a question that demands an answer. 

If you're a Christ-follower, you've accepted God's offer to meet your needs in every area of life. That covers deeply intimate issues involving significance, happiness, value, and self-worth — and of course, money and possessions. Unfortunately, too many of us depend on the size of our bank accounts, 401(k)s, and stock portfolios for security. We struggle for years to build a nest egg. But even when we make it to the top by the world's standards, our financial victory turns out to be a worthless idol once life is over. 

Rather than following the world's wisdom about life, relationships, possessions, and money, Christ-followers see these things in a very different light. That's because our minds begin to transform as soon as we follow Jesus in earnest. What once seemed so valuable and desirable loses its luster and fades into oblivion. And the world's silver and gold begin to rust.

With this in mind, what’s REALLY the best way to invest our money, time ... and stuff?

It’s a question with eternal implications — as well as a test of how we’re making our Creator our top priority. Believers are called to recognize that God doesn’t give us possessions. Instead, we're simply caretakers of His resources. So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we spending our money on the world's definition of success — or investing it toward His kingdom where it will make an eternal difference? Let’s look at Matthew 6:19-21 for trustworthy guidance:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal,” says Jesus. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

The Ultimate Giver

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.”

– Mark 12:43-44

For centuries, Christ-followers have given a portion of their resources to the church to help achieve God’s purposes on Earth. And if you’re a committed giver, you’ve probably discovered that you can’t out-give our Creator. We might one day feel led to help a neighbor pay his electric bill or buy him a bag of groceries. And then a few days later, we might ourselves be blessed through an unexpected promotion at work or a surprise check in the mail. God’s example is a powerful incentive for Believers of all economic levels. After all, he wants us to trust in him — not money — as our provider:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” we read in Psalms, “in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

But when it comes to our money and possessions, it really does boil down to trust. We trust God with our eternal salvation. However, do we trust this same God to provide for our daily needs? Christ-followers are called to serve as his hands and feet to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and house the homeless. So, by making generous giving a spiritual habit, we become more like Him — and all while helping to change the world for the better.

This principle sounds fine in theory — particularly when our bank accounts are full and there’s plenty more on the way. But how does it apply to those of us with only modest financial means? 

In the Gospel story known as The Widow’s Mite, Jesus pointed toward a poor woman who literally gave her last penny as her offering. And since she gave out of her poverty, her small gift was much greater in God’s eyes than the vast amounts offered by rich worshippers. We can see that the widow — although poor — took the initiative and made the most of her gift. Likewise for today’s Christ-followers with few resources, giving takes humility. What’s more, it requires discipline and trust. Just because we have less than others, it’s no reason to turn our backs on God. 

Whether our bank accounts are big or small, our generosity brings joy to others. It also moves our focus from ourselves and onto the recipient. And it's a needed reminder that ultimately, all provision comes from God — The Ultimate Giver.

Pledge of Allegiance

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

– Colossians 2:6-7

Americans of a certain age remember that the Pledge of Allegiance was recited each morning in school classrooms across the nation — with students placing their right hand over their heart — in front of our nation’s flag. It was a daily declaration of devotion to the Stars and Stripes and the Republic for which it stands.

Being a Christ-follower also calls for allegiance, but to One much greater than any nation or flag. In fact, Jesus desires total devotion from his disciples and would-be followers. Half-heartedness and non-committal don't make the cut.

Believers should therefore demonstrate a Christ-centered faith through their words and deeds. But that doesn't mean we must earn God's favor through good works and morality, following a set of rules, or going to church each Sunday. In fact, we read in Isaiah 64:6 that our so-called good deeds are considered filthy rags when compared to God's high standards of perfection. That's why Jesus — who actually DID live a perfect, sin-free life — was the only one worthy enough to pay the penalty we all deserve for constantly failing our Creator.

Although we're powerless to save ourselves, Christ willingly did so on our behalf through his death and resurrection, which also made it possible for Believers ever since to serve as his hands and feet on earth. To help illustrate the significance of his incredible mission, Jesus told a story about a master, who gave each of his three servants a considerable sum of money to invest while he was away on an extended trip. After a while, the master returned to claim what was his. He was pleased with the first two servants, who had used their funds wisely. Their savvy and willingness to risk their allocations resulted in doubling the money. But it wasn't so with the third servant. He was afraid of his boss' stern reputation and didn't want to risk a loss. So instead, he tried to play it safe by burying his master's money in the ground!

This is where modern-day Christ-followers enter the picture. Like the three servants in the story, we've also received resources, skills, and opportunities to invest in the lives of others. The beneficiaries could be a spouse, sibling, or child. They might also be a co-worker, neighbor, villagers in Central America ... or maybe someone God puts in our path through unexpected circumstances.

So, here's the obvious question: How are we investing what God has given to us? Are we turning our faith into action and changing the world one person at a time … or are we playing it safe?

The answer depends on our allegiance.