4. How Can I Get The Best Return On My Investment?
Notes
Transcript
Me:
Me:
I’m so glad that you are able to join us for part four of our sermon series, Apex. This series is a part of a larger spiritual growth campaign called Core52. Our mission it to learn 52 core verses that make up the entire Bible. Our goal on this mission to be become more biblically literate, and see how the Bible is an amazing book that points us to Jesus. If you would like to join the adventure, contact me and I will get you the resources that you need.
Do you know when I feel the most at peace in my life? Not when I pray. Not when I read the Bible. Not in worship…though I feel peace in all of those areas. I feel the most at peace in life when I have enough money in my bank account. Here’s the other thing, when I have money, I can buy what I want to create my own image of what I want people to think about me. This last year I bought a pair of old school Air Jordan’s. Why? Because I was going through a mid life crises. Maybe, but when I was a kid in Jr High I remember when Air Jordan’s came out and I always wanted a pair. It’s an identity thing. Here’s something else about having enough money to do what I want, it does in fact bring me a sense of happiness. There is a little sense of happiness when you get that thing you want, take that trip you want. Having money does in fact give a sense of happiness.
So after taking a deep dive into my perspective on money here’s what I came up with: Money gives me security, gives me an identity, and provides happiness.
Here’s the problem: Sometimes I don’t have enough money to make me feel secure. My identity changes or my Air Jordan’s wear out. Whatever happiness I get from buying something I want, doesn’t last. I need a clear plan on how to spend my money…on what I do with my stuff.
We:
We:
So what about you? What does money do for you? I bet there are a lot of you remember those moments when you went to a grocery store with a calculator and you had to put things back because you didn’t have enough money. Now, you just start throwing things in your cart without even thinking about it. Money gives security, and peace of mind…until you don’t have it. Remember saving up all that money for that awesome car, only to get in a fender bender that next week. So much for that identity. Oh, and remember that amazing trip you took…it was so much fun…until the credit card bills started coming in. Money can do a lot for us, but it never really seems to hang around…then you just need to make some more.
A few years ago, there was a Lexus commercial that made this statement:
“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness isn’t spending it right.”
Then you saw this picture of a person driving a Lexus. What if I told you that that statement isn’t wrong? What if there is an investment plan that isn’t impacted by a Stock Market crash or a mad rush of people trying to manipulate the system? What if there was an investment plan that helped you feel secure and at peace and and forever? What if there was an investment plan that actually made you happy? Interested?
Well let’s see if Jesus has a few words to say about how we spend our money and happiness.
God:
God:
If you have a Bible or device, find Matthew chapter 6. If you are using the YouVersion Bible app, go to Events, look for Iowa City Church. Click on that and all of the Scriptures and sermon notes will be available on your device.
In Matthew 5-7 we find The Sermon on the Mount, the Apex or the top self of Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God and what it looked like to live as a citizen in God’s Kingdom…not in a future sense…like dying and going to heaven. Instead, Jesus is describing what it looks like to live here on earth as a citizen of God’s Kingdom.
One of things most people don’t realize is that Jesus talked about money and possessions more then anything else. Why is that? Jesus understood that how we handle money, wealth or possessions is ultimately a spiritual decision.
So here in The Sermon on the Mount, he is teaching about the best practices for how a citizen of the Kingdom of God handles their treasure…and how those decisions impact our lives. Let’s take a look at what he says. These verses are also our Core52 verses for the week. Verse 19:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
Jesus point is simple and clear: Don’t amass all your treasure in a place where the mice can chew it up, it can get moldy, a tornado can wipe it out or cyber criminals can hack in and steal it. Don’t put all your treasure in stock market that can crash or put it in a safe that can be stolen.
We all have experienced these moments when we make a purchase on that on thing that we always wanted; car, home, clothing…whatever…only to find the car with a big scratch, the home needing serious repairs and the clothing stained. Though Jesus doesn’t mention it specifically, there is the other issue, our death. We can collect all of this treasure only to die and not be able to enjoy it one bit.
What Jesus is saying is that when it comes to your treasure, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket…because whatever treasure you store up here on earth is not going to last. Jesus gives a better option for investing your treasure. Look at verse 20.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Okay, the last part of what Jesus says here makes sense. Put your treasure where the mice can’t get it, the mold can ruin it and thieves can’t take it…put it in heaven…invest your treasure in God’s space. I think we all can agree, the safest most secure place to put our treasure would be with God.
Here’s the issue: How do I put my treasures in heaven? I mean, how is that awkward conversation with your banker, broker or bookie going to go? Yeah, I want to diversify my portfolio and I want to put some of my money in heavenly stocks. You stop by Riverside and put a thousand heavenly bucks on Tampa Bay to win the Super Bowl…your bookie is going to look at you cross eyed!
So, how does one store up treasures in heaven? The key word there is “store”. We work hard to store up treasure, be it money, assets, rental properties, or Beanie Baby collections. Jesus is saying, don’t forget to store up or work hard at acquiring things that are valuable in heaven.
A couple things to think about:
1. Storing Up On Earth Is Not Wrong, It Just Won’t Last Owning a business, selling properties, saving for retirement…all good things. Jesus’ point is, those things won’t last, so make sure and invest in heavenly treasure. Don’t be short sighted.
2. Storing Treasures in Heaven Means You Are Investing In The Things That God Cares About. What is valuable in heaven? Obviously gold isn’t valuable, they use it as pavement. What’s valuable in heaven? God…and the things that he cares about.
This is such a good question! Do we know what God ultimately cares about. Maybe look at it this way, what is God investing in? Let’s jump back and take a look at the opening section of The Sermon on the Mount. It gives us some ideas about what God cares about and what he invests in.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
If I use my treasure to invest into the lives of those who are poor, poor in spirit. If I can give and invest in ministries or just through my own person generosity, then I’m storing up treasures in heaven.
If I use my treasure to help those who mourn, those who are hurting or in need of comfort…I’m storing up treasures in heaven.
If I use my treasure in a humble, meek way, I’m storing up treasures in heaven.
If I use my treasure to pursue what is right and just. If I use my treasure to invest in ministries, churches, and organizations that pursue what is right and just, I’m storing up treasures in heaven.
If I use my treasure to help show mercy or if I am generous towards people in need of mercy or invest it in a ministry that is helping show mercy, I’m storing up treasures in heaven.
If I use my treasure to pursue a pure heart or to make peace I’m storing up treasures in heaven. I think you get the picture. Storing up treasures in heaven is about people like you and me, understanding the heart of God and what he cares about, and then investing our treasures in those very things.
According to Jesus, when we invest in the things God cares about, we are sending our treasures ahead. What that looks like and how that works in heaven’s economy, I don’t know. All I know is that Jesus says that it is not only safe, but it will be good.
Jesus concludes this thought by pointing out why our treasure and how we handle it is a spiritual issue. Listen to what he says in verse 21:
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
I want you to think of playing catch with a dog. I’m sure you’ve seen or experienced dogs that just love playing catch or fetch with a Frisbee, ball or stick. They just keep chasing it…they will do it until they are exhausted.
Our hearts, our true self, our passion…it is always chasing treasure. Our hearts are just like that dog chasing a stick. Through some money out there and our hearts will chase it. Through out a new relationship, job or car and our hearts will chase it.
So what is Jesus saying? Choose your treasure well because your heart is going to follow.
This is why, just a few verses earlier in the model prayer Jesus taught his followers to pray:
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
When we pray this prayer on a daily basis there is a shift that takes place in our lives…we find ourselves letting go of our kingdoms, our treasurers and shifting our desires over to the kingdom of heaven…and the things that God cares about.
So what is the essential that every Jesus follower needs to know when it comes to money and possessions?
When you invest in the things that God cares about your purpose is clear and your investment is secure.
You:
You:
This can be a very difficult shift to make and stick with. Here are some steps to help.
1. The Bible provides an investment strategy of 10% towards Kingdom work. Here’s what I’ve discovered in my own life and in the lives of most Christians: We all have good intentions. Most people want to give. Most people want to be generous. They just don’t have a plan. Setting aside 10% of one’s income or the tithe, is a plan that helps us carry out our good intentions and then guard our heart from chasing after other treasures. If going from zero to 10% is too big of a step for you, try 3% for the next quarter. Then in another three months take it up to 6%. Then start off next year by going with 10%.
Here’s what I know, a lot of you right now want to invest your treasure in the things God cares about…the only thing missing is a plan. Take some time today to make a commitment and then work the plan. When you invest your treasure in the things that God cares about your purpose is clear and your investment is secure. Here’s a promise that I can make to you:
You will do more with 90% of your income and partnered with God, then 100% of your income without God. It’s a simple fact.
2. Investing in the things God cares about makes you happy! Jesus himself said these words, as recorded by the apostle Paul.
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Jesus says that you will be happier if you give to the things God cares about. Did you know that science backs up what Jesus is saying? In an article by Entrepreneur.com, entitled “Science Says Money Does Buy Happiness If You Spend It the Right Way.” What they found is that people who are givers, generous with charities and people are in need are typically happier people.
3. If Debt Is Standing In The Way, Let Us Help With Some Resources. Debt can be a monster obstacle when it comes to investing in the things that God cares about. If you need help, please don’t hesitate in reaching out to us, we can provide resources and next steps to begin the journey to financial freedom. Talk with me, or send me an email at tomsteele@iowacitychurch.org and we will help set you up with a plan to break through.
When you invest your treasure in the things that God cares about, your purpose is clear and your investment is secure.
What happens when we live life this way?
We:
We:
Our hearts begin to change and how we view money begins to change. Let me explain. This last week, the Stock Market when crazy because a bunch of regular folks started buying up GameStop stock. All of a sudden, anyone who had money invested in the Stock Market cared about what was going on. Even more so, people who had money invested in GameStop cared. Have you ever noticed that? Where you invest your money you begin to care about. If you were to invest in a company, all of a sudden you will begin to check the stock everyday, just to see what it’s doing. We care about what we invest our treasure in. Most people could care less about GameStop, until they find that their treasure is directly connected to it.
What happens when you start investing in the things God cares about? You begin to sponsor a child with Compassion International. The child lives in Uganda. All of a sudden, when Uganda is in the news, you care. Your heart is following your investment. You give to the church, you find your heart follows and cares about the work and mission that we are on. You give to IC Compassion, all of a sudden, people matter differently. That’s my prayer for all of us, that as we take our treasure, and pour it into the things God cares about…our hearts will follow.
When you invest your treasure in the things that God cares about your purpose is clear and your investment is secure.