Giving: Living with Purpose Beyond the Here and Now

The pursuit of investing isn’t just a financial concept—what if it’s also a spiritual one? Just as investors expect a return from their monetary deposits, the Bible teaches that believers are called to sow spiritual seeds, expecting a harvest in due time. But this kind of investment doesn’t revolve around stock markets or savings accounts. It’s about investing time, talents, and resources in ways that yield eternal rewards. Click the link above for the full message.

💰 Understanding the Principle of Spiritual Investment

The Bible frequently uses agricultural language—like sowing and reaping—to illustrate how spiritual investments work. Whether planting a seed or managing finances, the principle is the same: You get a return only if you’ve made an investment. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV) says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” This principle applies not only to finances but also to every area of life, including our spiritual growth.

Spiritual investments are made through the ways we live, the relationships we cultivate, and the time we spend pursuing God. These are not instant rewards—they take patience and faith. In Galatians 6:8 (NIV), it says, “Whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” This reminds us that investing in the things of God will result in outcomes that far exceed anything we could achieve on our own.

❤️ Treasures in Heaven: Where is Your Heart?

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV), “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Our culture often encourages us to focus on temporary goals—like wealth, status, and material success. But these things won’t last. Jesus calls us to shift our focus from the temporal to the eternal, investing in things that carry significance beyond this life. The way we spend our time, the way we treat others, and the ways we use our resources reveal where our heart truly lies.

⏳ The Three T’s: Time, Talents, and Treasure

Making spiritual investments comes down to how we use three key areas of our lives:

Time

Everyone has the same 24 hours a day, but how we use that time makes all the difference. Are we spending time with God in prayer or the Word? Are we using our free moments to encourage others or serve? Investing time in God’s presence leads to spiritual growth that overflows into all areas of life.

Talents

God has uniquely gifted each of us with abilities, skills, and passions. These talents were given not just for our personal benefit but to serve others and build His kingdom. Whether it’s teaching, hospitality, music, or administration, using our gifts for God’s purposes is a valuable investment.

Treasure

Generosity is a biblical command. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Giving is not just about tithing; it’s about holding our resources loosely and trusting God to provide. When we give freely—whether through tithes, offerings, or acts of kindness—we align ourselves with God’s heart.

😩 Why Some Investments Feel Hard

Making spiritual investments can feel counterintuitive. The world says, “Save and accumulate,” but God’s kingdom teaches, “Give and you will receive.” Proverbs 11:24 (NIV) describes this paradox: “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” It seems illogical, but God promises that as we give, we will be blessed.

Sometimes, we don’t see the harvest right away. Just as seeds take time to grow, spiritual investments often require patience. Galatians 6:9 (NIV) encourages, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Faith means trusting that God will honor our investments, even when we don’t see immediate results.

🙏🏽 Fasting and Prayer: A Different Kind of Investment

Fasting is a way to recalibrate our lives toward God. It’s not just about giving something up; it’s about creating space to grow spiritually. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV), “When you fast, do not look somber… but put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.” This act of self-discipline reminds us that spiritual rewards are often unseen by others but recognized by God.

Fasting, paired with prayer, builds intimacy with God and strengthens our spirit. It’s an intentional way to invest in our spiritual lives, asking God to bring breakthrough where we need it most.

🙌🏻 Everyday Spiritual Investments: Practical Ways to Start

Spiritual investments don’t have to be grand gestures. They can be small, everyday acts that plant seeds for eternity. Here are a few ideas:

• Pray out loud as you walk around your home or neighborhood.

• Listen to worship music instead of a podcast during your commute.

• Offer to pray for a friend or coworker in need.

• Invite someone to church or a small group.

• Cut back on social media and spend time reading Scripture.

Every time we make these small investments, we align ourselves with God’s purposes.

Don’t Give Up: Harvest Comes in Due Time

Waiting for the results of spiritual investments requires patience. Just as you don’t plant a seed and see fruit overnight, God’s blessings often take time to manifest. When we invest in God’s kingdom, the rewards may not always come immediately, but they will come. Keep planting, keep praying, and keep trusting. God is faithful, and in due time, the harvest will arrive.

Further Reading

• The Treasure Principle - by Randy Alcorn

• Celebration of Discipline - by Richard Foster

Other Links

• Want to hear more? Check out Daybreak Church’s YouTube page for past messages on similar topics.

• Looking for more information on Giving? Visit www.liveandlovelikejesus.org/giving