Many of us could have made some investment in the past where we lost all or part of our fortune. If this hasn’t happened to us, we may have heard of investors who lost money.
This is not strange as it is the part of risk taking associated with making an investment.
There is however a type of investment that is immune to any type of failure. It is not a capital market or money market investment, not multilevel marketing or Ponzi scheme. It is also not forex or bitcoin trading or any of the various types of investment portfolio available. It takes a deliberate choice to keep making the investment daily.
Like any form of investment you make, you have to part with some value and delay instant gratification in making this safe investment.
This investment is backed up by a guarantee that ensures that whatever you put in, you will definitely get multiple folds in return.
The investment often pays interest from time to time but the biggest of the payout any individual gets is futuristic.
I was first introduced to this investment through the quote below;
“Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value.”
Matthew 6:19-20 TPT
The name of this investment portfolio is Heavenly Treasure.
Let us clear any confusion on this. I know questions like the following is already going through our minds;
- Are you saying I cannot have savings?
- Or suggesting that I cannot invest in properties, stock, lands etc.
- Or how do I even be a part of this so called Heavenly Treasure?
Well, ‘treasure in heaven’ was coined by Jesus Christ and this is what He means.
There was a man that came to Jesus Christ with the question ‘what one thing am I required to do to gain eternal life?’
Jesus first acknowledged the good works that the guy has been doing like not committing murder, adultery, not involved in corrupt practices like stealing etc but said to him that the one thing is to build his treasure in heaven.
“Jesus fixed his gaze upon the man, with tender love, and said to him, “Yet there is still one thing in you lacking. Go, sell all that you have and give the money to the poor. Then all of your treasure will be in heaven. After you’ve done this, come back and walk with me.””
Mark 10:21 TPT
This was a big blow to this guy because he was extremely rich and could not just imagine what he was going to become of him after selling all that he had.
This is where this guy missed the point of Jesus Christ because what Jesus was telling him was to detach himself completely from his riches and put his trust in God.
“Jesus looked at the faces of his disciples and said, “How hard it is for the wealthy to enter into God’s kingdom realm.” The disciples were startled when they heard this. But Jesus again said to them, “Children, it is next to impossible for those who trust in their riches to find their way into God’s kingdom realm. It is easier to stuff a rope through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter into God’s kingdom realm.””
Mark 10:23-25 TPT
So, to answer the questions above directly, yes we can have savings, investments and be involved in all the legitimate business but they must never affect our trust and commitment to God.
We must never place them so highly that they compete for God’s attention in our life and the assignment He has given us.
Making our investment in heaven’s treasure is always choosing God.
““Listen to my words,” Jesus said. “Anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses me over children, parents, family, and possessions, all for the sake of the gospel, it will come back to him a hundred times as much in this lifetime—homes, family, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, possessions—along with persecutions. And in the age to come, he will inherit eternal life.”
Mark 10:29-30 TPT
Notice what Jesus said in this text? Anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses me over children, parents, family and possessions all for the sake of the gospel is the one making investment in heaven’s treasure.
Does this mean that I leave my home and go and stay in another place? Does it mean that I stop talking to my children, wife, parents, anyone that could fit the description of family? Does it mean that I should forfeit my possessions?
Here is the lesson. All the things mentioned here are likely the most precious set of people in our lives and for some, they value their possessions (titles, cars, houses, investment portfolio etc) more than anyone. If they are that precious to us, Jesus is saying chose me above all these things. Love me, be committed to me more than to all these people or the things you have.
Recall the question the man asked Jesus about eternal life and did you notice how Jesus said we can have it in verse 30 of Mark 10?
One more thing, the reason why many of us chose possession above Jesus is because we want to ensure we have food to eat, make our families comfortable, have a roof over our head, be good looking and well represented among our friends etc. Do we realize that these things we chose are actually add-on when we chose Jesus?
““So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.””
Matthew 6:33-34 TPT
That moment that you chose to be truthful and lose your job is an example of building treasure for yourself in heaven and chasing after righteousness. You will surely get your reward. Don’t forget that the Bible says the reward will come with persecution (Mark 10:30). So your choosing Him may not always come rosy each moment but remember that the Bible says the suffering of now cannot be compared to the glory to be revealed.
Sometimes when you chose Him, you get an interest or perhaps more pains, but never forget that the investment you are making is safe and guaranteed a glorious yield that is incomparable to any gain you can have on this earth.
God bless you.
Akindele Afolabi
Christian Employe Series