Better because of Jesus.
TreasureHunters.
How to be a Kingdom Investor.
Matthew 6:19-34 · Luke 12:13-32Invest in what is eternal, not material.
Four reasons to become a Kingdom investor.
Investing in the eternal produces guaranteed returns.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Matthew 6:19-20Jesus commands us to invest. The only question is where. What we do now impacts eternity - and notice how He says, "for yourselves." There's a personal interest Jesus expects you to have.
Imagine an investment opportunity with incredible returns - but at some point, you're guaranteed to lose every dollar. Would you put your money in? That's exactly what storing treasure on earth looks like.
Now contrast that with an asset that's safe, protected, and yields incredible returns forever. Jesus is giving us insider trading information: exchange your earthly funds for heavenly currency. It's powerful and eternal.
Treasures in Heaven are real rewards given to God's people who give generously - through enduring persecution, loving enemies, praying in secret, serving the Lord and His people, and yes, through how we use our money.
"Charge them... to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
1 Timothy 6:18-19Investing in the eternal guards against greed.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also... No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and money."
Matthew 6:21, 24Where our money goes, our heart goes. They are inseparable. Jesus warns about the lust of the eyes - when you see something and want it, greed can enslave your heart and mind.
Greed is trickery. It hides easily, often disguised as fiscal responsibility. Greedy people make excuses for not giving, claiming to be "good stewards." Saving and planning aren't bad - but greed wants to hold on tight.
◆ Marks of a Greedy Heart
- Talk a lot and worry a lot about money
- Are not cheerful givers
- Reluctant to share
- Are poor losers
- Quibble over insignificant sums
- Talk as if they have just enough to get by
- Often create a culture of secrecy
- Won't let you forget what they've done for you
- Reluctant to express gratitude
- Aren't content with what they have
- Attempt to control people with their money
Greed is unbiased. It doesn't matter if you have money or not. It's not a financial issue - it's a heart issue.
"Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Luke 12:15The rich fool in Luke 12 wasn't condemned for saving - he was condemned for hoarding while ignoring God. He could have led seminars on retirement planning. Jesus called him a fool. Money was his god.
Contrast him with the widow who gave her last two coins. Many would have told her, "That's irresponsible." Jesus said she'd be rewarded forever. Greed is the secret sin of the church - a quiet spiritual destroyer.
↑ Back to TopAbundant life doesn't come from abundant possessions.
"One's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Luke 12:15This sounds counterintuitive in a culture that whispers more is better. But the people with the most stuff are often the most depressed. Studies suggest the minimum salary needed to feel "happy" in Texas keeps climbing - currently around $97,650 - and yet contentment never quite arrives.
The thrill of any new purchase fades. Abundant life isn't found in what you own but in who you know - Jesus Himself. So why do we keep investing in things that don't bring lasting joy?
↑ Back to TopKingdom investing diminishes anxiety.
One of the biggest reasons we become greedy is fear. Fear is the engine behind clinging to things that were never ours to begin with. Jesus addresses it head-on:
"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?... Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow... even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Matthew 6:26, 28-29"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow."
Matthew 6:33-34The command is simple: seek His kingdom first. But Jesus surrounds the command with reasons for our hearts. Why do we hold on? Fear. Why do we make excuses? Fear. He answers fear with the Father's care.
Years ago Scott Lewis attended a conference where Bill Bright challenged people to give one million dollars to fulfill the Great Commission. The amount was laughable to Scott - his machinery business made under $50,000 a year.
Bill asked what he gave last year. "$17,000 - about 35% of our income." Bill replied, "Why not make a goal of giving $50,000 next year?" That was more than Scott had earned all year.
Scott and his wife asked God to do the impossible. With a miraculous December 31 provision, they gave the $50,000. The next year they aimed for $100,000. God provided again. Sixteen years later, Scott wrote that they had passed the one-million-dollar mark - and they didn't stop.
Our incomes differ. The amounts will differ. But every one of us can excel at this grace of giving.
↑ Back to TopYour game plan.
Five moves to start hunting eternal treasure this week.
Audit your treasure map
Pull up the last 30 days of spending. Where did your money actually go? Remember - where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. What does your bank statement say about your heart?
This week · 20 minutesName one greed pattern
Re-read the marks of a greedy heart from Point 02. Be honest - pick the one that hits closest to home. Confess it to God and to one trusted person. Greed thrives in secrecy; bring it into the light.
TodaySet a giving goal - bigger than comfortable
Like Scott Lewis, ask God for a number that would require Him to show up. Write it down. Make it a faith goal, not a math problem.
Pray about itMake one Kingdom investment this week
A youth camp scholarship. A meal for a neighbor. Supporting an adoption. A surprise gift for someone in need. Move money from earthly storage into eternal storage - this week.
By SundayReplace anxiety with trust - daily
Each morning this week, read Matthew 6:25-34 before you check your phone. Hand the Father your worry list before the world hands you its noise.
Daily rhythm