Investing takes on a multitude of facets. Investing in the future isn’t just about setting aside money each month for a 401k or even buying a house – which we know is a big investment as well.

Just like a house or a 401k, they come with responsibility. A house, you have all the upkeep, maintenance and insurance. If something goes wrong, the owner has to pay for it one way or another, unlike with just renting where there’s less responsibility in such matters. A 401k, if not automatic or through a company, you’re responsible for the fees and you’re responsible for paying into it.

What are things you invest in?

You could be investing in your children. I hope it’s with your time and attention, teaching them life skills and making sure they’re educated on basic concepts. You may also be investing in their education monetarily as well, college is a big one!

What about their spiritual growth? I don’t have children of my own, but I do have a nephew (who’s almost like a little brother to me) that I see almost every day. Sometimes I’m convicted about how we spend our time together during the day. He’s in virtual school while I’m working from home for the time being. It’s draining to be working and making sure he’s productive during the day as well. He does not like Auntie hovering, but otherwise his work goes undone. Because of that, sometimes I just want me time and I don’t want to do anything in the evenings, at that point I’ve just about had it and would probably rather sleep than anything else. A few days we’ve sat down and we’ve talked through some Bible stories. I feel better after reading with him, we’ve had some good discussions.

Similarly, we should invest in our own growth as Christians. That investment would be bible study, discipleship group, or personal prayer and study time. When we do these things to draw closer to God, it doesn’t magically make life easier, but you’re not feeling alone because you’ve been in this habit and mindset of being close to God. Drawing near to him regularly makes Him more of a first option than a last option.

In Bible Study Fellowship, we’re 3 weeks into Genesis and it’s been such a great study so far. Their questions are most of the time so good and especially during this study. It’s made me think more about God’s creation and the days He created it all in. What stands out to me is that God invested in us. He spent time making us and forming us. He used such creativity to shape who we are out of nothing, just dust. We were made in His image – we have characteristics of God and still can’t comprehend just how mighty and wonderful He really is. We were made to glorify Him in all we do. More than all that, He walked with Adam in the garden. He spent time with Adam and investing in him, teaching him.

The same way happens when we invest a fraction of our time, God will continue to invest in us if we only listen and open up to what He has for us.

Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.

Genesis 2:7

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:33

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Romans 10:17

How will you invest this next week?

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Psalms 16:11