Beyond the Game: Investing in Eternal Riches

A Reflection on Wealth, Generosity, and Building God's Kingdom in the Afterglow of Super Bowl Excitement

Congrats to the Kansas City Chiefs for their Super Bowl victory, as millions of people tuned in to an OT game that didn't disappoint! As we reflected on ticket prices that started over $5k, the millions of dollars spent on advertising, and the dollars on the line with sports betting, we were reminded of the many ways you can spend a dollar in this world. It's a great topic for discussion in today's Fist Bump: MONEY!

The concept of wealth, from a Christian perspective, and how we use it is something we talk about often in our quiet time. Should we sell everything and give it to people experiencing poverty? Do we avoid buying nice things? Should our career be in ministry or missions in the traditional sense? It's a big topic, and there are many ways to look at it.

We have yet to figure it out perfectly, but we have some thoughts. We often use the phrase in life that the things on this earth, like Monopoly, "all go back in the box" when we are gone. Yep, when the game ends, all your houses, hotels, and money return to the box!!!   We are reminded of what Jesus told us in Matthew about where our treasure is:

“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, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Guys, where is our treasure? Are we spending our days and energy filling up our Worldly Treasure Chest? Where is our focus? Are we building God's Kingdom or consumed with constructing our own Kingdom?

This last week in the Seven24 devotion, we had a great verse on money. While it can be a bit confusing, it brings an interesting perspective to how we use money here on Earth. 

“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Luke 16:9

 It sounds like God wants us to go into "Sales"! Well, that is exactly right! But, not sales for our business on earth, WE are SELLING for GOD's KINGDOM👊👊👊. Yep, we are all in the company of using our worldly wealth to gain followers for Christ. Sometimes, even for those that we have never met! Can you imagine meeting a child from another country you sponsored someday in Heaven? Or those impacted through our generosity of resources? For those who own businesses, are we focused on profits to build our balance sheet…or using those resources for others? Maybe that extra profit sharing, bonus, or simple gift is an expression that opens up an opportunity to share the love of Christ through our financial resources. I bet right now, each of you guys has some ideas. Don't wait!!! Do it!!!

In sales, "ABC" often means "Always Be Closing." Well, the beauty of God's Kingdom is that we aren't the ones doing the Closing. We take the meeting; GOD does the CLOSING!