ICS Daily Devotions
God Pleasing Investments
What’s the Biblical teaching on investment? What kind of investment pleases God?
Luke 16:1-2 (NKJV) He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’
Firstly, we must accept the theological truth that God owns 100% of our money, but He allows us to manage it. Stewardship of money is just one aspect of being God’s manager. We also need to wisely manage our time, gifts and talents, as well as possessions such as properties, investments and all other assets.
1 Samuel 15:22 (NKJV) So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.
Secondly, we must be obedient in tithing (10% of our income, whether gross or net) and in making freewill offerings, supporting causes and alleviating needs as led by God. That’s true stewardship and being obedient with our resources. God says obedience is better than sacrifice. He is not impressed when we promise to sacrifice to Him (whether financially or otherwise) only after He first blesses us.
1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Thirdly, we have to consecrate our investment plans to God, whether related to property, financial products or businesses. We need to remember that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and because of it, many people end up piercing themselves with many sorrows. If we are led by a desire to make a quick gain, we can have a gambling mind-set and that doesn’t please God.
Finally, don’t be tempted to make speculative investments, or use financial leverage, and don’t borrow money from other brothers and sisters in Christ. Neither should you take on credit to sustain an unrealistic lifestyle. Such actions do not glorify God, and we should repay our loans and settle our debts as quickly as possible.
The kind of investment that pleases God is one for which we have prayerfully sought His face and carried out due diligence before making the investment decision.
Sermon Series: Pastor, I Have Questions For You
