It is no secret that our world is in an economic mess. We have observed an economic downturn; higher prices at the market and at the gas pump, high unemployment, and lost jobs. Others have watched their “secure” retirement fund evaporate. Still others are suffering from the results of poor financial decisions along the way. Bankruptcy is at an all-time high. Yes, we are in a mess. Is there any way out?
There is a way around the mess. It is a sound investment strategy but only for those who believe in God and His Word. It is a strategy that pays multiplied dividends now and for eternity. And, it goes against the grain of the common world system. It also requires faith – genuine faith – true faith.
If one will examine the Scriptures closely, he will find the secret to this investment strategy voiced by, none other than, Jesus Christ. I like to think of it as God’s heavenly investment program.
This investment strategy is found in many places in the Bible but I will confine our lesson to just a few pertinent Scriptures from the teaching of Jesus.
In Matthew 6 Jesus spoke of giving, praying, and fasting. In each of these segments He taught that these activities should be done sincerely and in “secret.” And the Father, who “sees in secret” would reward you openly.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said,
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
In Luke 6:38, Jesus taught,
“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use it will be measured back to you.”
In Mark 10:23-30 we have Jesus teaching about how hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. In the same context He told the disciples that those who had followed Him and given up things would receive a “hundredfold now in this time” and “in the age to come, eternal life.”
So, here are some of the issues before us:
First, many of us, who call ourselves believers and Christ followers have assumed that the really great Christian is to take a vow of poverty and look only toward the eternal reward. This, however, is not the teaching of Jesus. It is not “now” or “eternity,” it is both for the believer.
Secondly, we must make our vision be toward the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The Gentiles “seek” “things” as a first priority without the kingdom of God in mind. We are not to do that. Jesus does not teach that we are to live in poverty. He speaks of the “things” we need and the “things” the Gentiles seek as something the Father wants to have “added” to our life.
In the “rich young ruler” passage Jesus asks the man to go sell all he has, give to the poor, and come and follow Him. Jesus was asking him to change his vision and attitude. The change was to be a faith and trust change. He had been trusting in his own righteousness and ability and riches. Now, Jesus was asking him to trust God; to invest in the Bank of Heaven.
The Kingdom Investment Strategy is really very simple; give into the kingdom and let God return unto you. This is exactly what the world cannot accept – just like the rich young ruler. And it requires faith and trust in God. It is a refocusing upon your Heavenly Father as your source.
Like the rich young ruler, we have grown up thinking that we are our source, our job is our source, our spouse is our source, our inheritance is our source, our 401 K retirement plan is our source, or the government is our source. This is thinking like the “Gentiles” who “seek” these things. We are to live by a different strategy.
So, how are we to do it?
First, we are to rethink the “now” verses “eternity” issue. God wants to give it to us now as well as then.
Secondly, we are to develop a new attitude unlike that of the worldly-minded investors. We are to begin investing in the Bank of Heaven with Kingdom Investment Strategy.
Thirdly, we are to give. We are to get a word about where to give and how much to give and be obedient to the Holy Spirit in this matter, regardless of how “risky” it may seem.
Fourthly, we are to give by faith with the expectation that God will make good on the return of the investment. The Bible says that even a cup of water given in the name of Jesus garners a notice and a reward from God and pays dividends.
One of the most exciting challenges for any believer is to trust God in the area of finances. To observe God’s return on our investment is a great thing. I think God enjoys the process, too. In the book of Malachi, He throws down a challenge about giving tithes and offerings and says, “Prove me in this and see if I will not open up the Heavens and pour down upon you a blessing you will not be able to contain.”
Try The Kingdom Investment Strategy and see what God will do. It is a better investment strategy than any worldly financial advisor can offer.
