There are a lot of things that we can invest in and there are different resources of ours that we can choose to invest. This can be a tricky area. How do you spend your time? Are there areas where you invest a little too much of your resources? How can we invest with a kingdom mindset? Let’s use Matthew 6:21 as a plum line, “For where your treasure is, your heart will be also”.
One thing that we can invest with is our money. This can be a touchy subject for many, but it is addressed in the Bible in many areas. It talks about having outstanding debts (Romans 13:8), the love of money (Psalm 37:16-17), and why to stay free from the love of money (Hebrews 13:5). It talks about how tithing is important and how much we should be tithing. God blesses us with a lot and He commands us to tithe and give offerings. Pro tip : Are you a senior who has a traditional IRA? Did you know by taking a “qualified charitable distribution” or QCD, your gift is applied towards your annual RMD requirement? (Curious as to what this all means? Check out our FB post or our website for more information on this) This way, you can support your favorite nonprofit and get a tax break! With our finances we can support the continuance of clubs and organizations, we can start the funding of scholarships, and we can jumpstart the future of the next generation. These times are tough, we get it, we feel it to. There are those that have an abundance to give, and out of that we are commanded to do so. An important thing to remember is that if you are in love with money, it will never be enough. Ecclesiastes 5:10 tells us as much. We must learn that contentment dwells in our hearts. Its ok to wear Walmart jeans, you don’t have to spend a quarter of your next paycheck on shoes. Keeping up with the Jones’ will always be an insurmountable task as there is always someone down the line a little bit richer, a house a little bit bigger. I think one verse we need to keep in mind is 1 Timothy 6:10, “ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Sometimes it is not just one problem we have racked up running after money, its many. It’s the dishonesty, greed, pride, selfish behaviors that get us into trouble and become a pattern that led us down a dark trail. It chips away at us. Push someone over to get that promotion, lie to a customer to secure a deal, or omit details to your boss to sound better. These behaviors are all destructive and push us further and further from our Father.
We can invest our time. When was the last time that you volunteered somewhere? Took the time out of your day to do something nice for someone? How many strangers have you smiled at recently to extend the love of Jesus? It’s simple things that we can do that can have such a resonating impact. We also forget that it starts with one person, one random act of kindness. Matthew 5:14 – 16 addresses the fact that we should do good works and why saying “You are a light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Studies have been done and have SHOWN that volunteering has a positive impact on the person who volunteers. It reduces depression, increases socialization, decreases loneliness, and gives you a sense of purpose. For those that suffer from chronic pain, it can reduce that too! Have you ever heard of the pay-it-forward chains that get started at restaurants? The record lasted for nearly 2 days!! Over 3,600 participated, but it had to start somewhere. This somewhere can be you! Over and over again in the Bible it talks about doing things for our neighbors, living in community and looking out for our brothers. These are important pieces of our Christian lives. By living in community, we have the opportunity to learn about our brothers and sisters. We get a chance to figure out what needs they may have, what things they may be good at, and how you can work together to get things accomplished. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him being the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen”, 1 Peter 4:10 – 11. Doing things for our neighbors shows the love we have straight from the Father and sharing of the gifts God has blessed us with. It creates an atmosphere of engagements and exchanging of ideas. We can learn to appreciate each other this way, and through revelations we have, apply what we have learned to others.
These are just a few ways that you can choose to invest. Will you make the decision today, to invest in your future and the future of those around you? Will you extend the love the Father has to those that haven’t heard it in a while, or ever before? How will you advise others to invest? If you would like to partner with us, please visit our website at https://cefgga.org/donate-2/ . Have a blessed weekend and a Happy Father’s Day!
Child Evangelism Fellowship Greater Greensboro 