Investing for Eternal Gains
There's a simple principle that everyone should follow: use your money in such a way that you maximize gain. Now how you define "gain" makes all the difference. Sometimes we use our money for our immediate need or desire and gain satisfaction from it as we've met that need. Sometimes we practice delayed gratification and invest for the longer term for needs we know we will have in the future such as saving for a car, a house, college education, or retirement. But ultimately what we really need to be doing is investing our money for gain that extends even beyond ourselves and this lifetime. As Christians, we understand that this means investing for eternal gains, gains in the kingdom of God. As our Lord put it, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36, ESV)
In Chapter 8, the question raised is what implications and applications does pursuing our ultimate joy in God have for our money. In short, it means that we need "to use our money in a way that will bring us the greatest and longest gain." (cf. 1 Tim 6:9) The problem for us is often we find greater satisfaction in the short-term pleasures we can experience now rather than the eternal joy we that is ours in Christ. And using our money to invest in the things of God is indeed not loss but gain, great gain!
The return on investment formula is simple: Godliness + Contentment = Great Gain
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. (1 Tim 6:6-7, ESV)
So today we should consider these two basic questions:
In Chapter 8, the question raised is what implications and applications does pursuing our ultimate joy in God have for our money. In short, it means that we need "to use our money in a way that will bring us the greatest and longest gain." (cf. 1 Tim 6:9) The problem for us is often we find greater satisfaction in the short-term pleasures we can experience now rather than the eternal joy we that is ours in Christ. And using our money to invest in the things of God is indeed not loss but gain, great gain!
The return on investment formula is simple: Godliness + Contentment = Great Gain
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. (1 Tim 6:6-7, ESV)
So today we should consider these two basic questions:
- Are we content with what God has given us or do we always need "more"?
- How are we using/stewarding the treasure (money, possessions) in such a way to invest in the kingdom of God to maximize our eternal returns?
