Investing in Eternity

Most Americans have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or 401K plan. A lucky few have work-sponsored pensions. Almost all working U.S. citizens pay into Social Security and Medicare programs our entire working life. Others make shrewd private investments and diversify stock portfolios to build up individual wealth. We use these tools and tactics to fund our future. A future when we no longer earn a living by applying our trade in return for income. The word most associated with savings and investing is security. I’ve often wondered, what is so secure about a monetary system that fluctuates wildly, and is subject to winds of change and the whimsy of man?

Gold or silver is the basis for monetary systems of most nations. Governments print currency (paper money and coins) backed by those precious metals. At its core, money is nothing more than a bartering tool. We trade our time, energy, and talent for some amount of currency. We then use that currency to fund our lives and save for our future. Money also helps others through humanitarian efforts. In all cases, we exchange money for needed, or desired, goods and services.

Have you ever stopped to consider what investments you make into your Spiritual Retirement Account (SRA) each day? These investments are most important for your long-term security and are guaranteed never to spoil, rust, or decrease in value. We store our SRA investments as treasures in heaven. What do SRA investments look like? How does someone make a deposit? We find the answer in Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV): 

“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.”

Our works on this earth—done in God’s name, to glorify and bring Him honor—are the things stored up in heaven.

The amazing thing about our SRA is there is no penalty for early withdrawal. God blesses us each day for the things we say and do in His name through His mercy, grace, and love in our lives. Your withdrawal slip, a simple prayer. SRA distribution is explained Matthew 16:27 (NKJV): 

"For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.”

We’ve heard it said; You can’t take it with you or You’ve never seen a hearse towing a U-Haul™ trailer. Unlike an IRA, your SRA is eternally stored in the kingdom of Heaven. There are many ways to invest in your SRA: tithes and offerings, prayer, helping others, reading to children or the elderly, or taking the time to help someone learn about Christ. Often, we make our biggest investments in secret. You may not receive recognition here on earth, but remember God sees and records all. When we bring glory to God's kingdom, we make investments in eternity. For maximum return on investment in your life, increase your spiritual investments today.

Copyright © J.D. Wininger, used with permission.