As Christians, we often focus on our own spiritual growth and development, but the Bible also emphasizes the importance of investing in others. In fact, Jesus taught that investing in others is a key aspect of following Him and storing up treasure in heaven. In this article, we’ll explore what the Bible says about investing in others and why it’s essential for our spiritual lives.
The Parable of the Talents
One of the most well-known parables about investing in others is found in Matthew 25:14-30. In this parable, Jesus teaches about a master who gives his servants different amounts of talents (a unit of currency) before going on a journey. Two of the servants invest their talents and earn a return, while the third servant buries his talent in the ground.
When the master returns, he rewards the two servants who invested their talents, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21). However, the third servant who buried his talent is condemned for his lack of faithfulness.
This parable teaches us that God expects us to invest the resources He has given us, including our time, talents, and finances, in others. By doing so, we not only bring benefits to others but also demonstrate our faithfulness to God.
The Value of Investing in People
Investing in others is not just about sharing our resources; it’s also about valuing people as precious and worthy of our time and effort. In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus teaches that people are more valuable than material possessions: “Are not two sparrows sold for a small copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
When we invest in others, we demonstrate that we value them as individuals created in the image of God. This valuation is not based on their performance, achievements, or social status but on their inherent worth as human beings.
Investing in the Next Generation
The Bible places a strong emphasis on investing in the next generation. In Psalm 78:4-7, the psalmist writes, “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.”
This passage highlights the importance of transmitting our faith, values, and experiences to younger generations. By doing so, we ensure the continuation of God’s work and the preservation of His legacy.
Discipling and Mentoring
Jesus’ approach to investing in others is seen in His discipleship of the Twelve. He spent time with them, taught them, and demonstrated His love and compassion. He also entrusted them with responsibilities, such as sending them out to preach and heal (Matthew 10:1-15).
In a similar way, the apostle Paul invested in the lives of Timothy and Titus, younger leaders in the early church. He wrote letters to them, offering guidance, encouragement, and correction (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus). This kind of discipleship and mentoring is essential for the spiritual growth and development of others.
The Benefits of Investing in Others
When we invest in others, we not only benefit them but also ourselves. Here are some of the benefits of investing in others:
Spiritual Growth
Investing in others helps us grow spiritually. When we focus on serving others, we become more aware of our own strengths and weaknesses, and we develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion. As we invest in others, we also learn to trust God more and rely on His strength rather than our own.
Eternal Rewards
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus teaches that we should store up treasure in heaven by investing in eternal things, rather than accumulating wealth on earth. When we invest in others, we are storing up treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Networking and Partnerships
Investing in others can lead to powerful networking and partnerships. When we invest in others, we build relationships that can open doors for ministry, service, and mission. We also gain access to new resources, skills, and expertise, which can help us fulfill our calling and purpose.
Personal Fulfillment
Investing in others brings personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose. When we focus on serving others, we experience a deeper sense of joy and satisfaction, knowing that our lives are making a positive impact on others.
The Cost of Not Investing in Others
While investing in others brings numerous benefits, failing to do so can have severe consequences. Here are some of the costs of not investing in others:
Spiritual Stagnation
When we fail to invest in others, we can become spiritually stagnant. We may become complacent, self-centered, and disconnected from the needs of others. This stagnation can lead to a lack of spiritual growth and a decreased sense of purpose.
Lost Opportunities
Not investing in others means we miss opportunities to make a positive impact on their lives. We may fail to equip, empower, or encourage others, leading to lost opportunities for spiritual growth, ministry, and service.
Isolation and Disconnection
When we don’t invest in others, we can become isolated and disconnected from the body of Christ. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, burnout, and disconnection from the purposes of God.
Practical Ways to Invest in Others
So, how can we invest in others in practical ways? Here are a few ideas:
- Mentorship: Identify someone who is younger or less experienced in the faith and offer to mentor them. Share your experiences, wisdom, and insights to help them grow spiritually.
- Volunteering: Look for opportunities to serve others through volunteering. This could be at a local church, non-profit organization, or community center. By serving others, we invest in their lives and demonstrate God’s love.
- Financial Support: Consider supporting missionaries, churches, or organizations that are investing in the lives of others. Even small amounts of financial support can make a significant difference.
- Prayer and Encouragement: One of the simplest ways to invest in others is through prayer and encouragement. Take time to pray for others, offer words of encouragement, and celebrate their successes.
Conclusion
Investing in others is a key aspect of following Jesus and storing up treasure in heaven. By valuing people, investing in the next generation, and discipling and mentoring others, we demonstrate our faithfulness to God and bring benefits to ourselves and others.
Remember, investing in others is not a one-time event but a lifelong process. It requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to sacrifice our time, resources, and energy. However, the rewards are well worth it – eternal dividends that will last for all eternity.
By investing in others, we can harvest eternal dividends and experience the joy and satisfaction of knowing that our lives are making a positive impact on others. So, let’s start investing in others today and reap the rewards of a life well-lived for the glory of God.
What does the Bible say about investing in others?
The Bible is full of verses that encourage believers to invest in others. In Matthew 25:14-30, the parable of the talents illustrates the importance of putting our resources to use for the benefit of others. Similarly, in Mark 10:42-45, Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking power or status.
By investing in others, we are not only obeying God’s commands, but we are also storing up eternal rewards. As Jesus said, “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” (Matthew 6:19-20).
Isn’t investing in others a form of “works” that can lead to pride and boasting?
It’s possible to invest in others with the wrong motives, such as seeking praise or recognition. When we do, we can indeed become puffed up with pride. However, when we invest in others with humble, servant-hearted motives, we are demonstrating our love for God and our recognition of His greatness.
As Paul wrote in Galatians 6:1-3, “Let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each will have to bear his own load…But if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” By focusing on our own obedience and faithfulness, rather than our accomplishments, we can avoid the trap of pride and boasting.
How can I invest in others when I don’t feel like I have much to offer?
It’s easy to feel like we don’t have the resources, skills, or opportunities to invest in others. However, the truth is that everyone has something to offer, no matter how small it may seem. We can offer our time, our listening ear, our prayers, or our encouragement.
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul reminds us that God gives each of us unique gifts and abilities, and that each one is necessary for the functioning of the body of Christ. We don’t have to be experts or have a lot of money to invest in others. We just need to be willing to use what we have been given to serve others.
What if I’m introverted or shy? Do I still have to invest in others?
While some people may be more naturally outgoing or people-oriented, investing in others is not limited to extroverts. Introverts can use their quiet strengths to serve others in meaningful ways, such as writing encouragements, praying for others, or serving behind the scenes.
In 1 Peter 4:10-11, Peter reminds us that we are all called to use our unique gifts to serve others, and that God will be glorified through our service. We don’t have to be loud or outgoing to make a difference in the lives of others. We just need to be willing to use our gifts and abilities to bless others.
How do I know if I’m really making a difference in someone’s life?
It’s natural to wonder if our efforts to invest in others are really making a difference. While we may not always see immediate results, we can trust that God is working through us to bring about eternal dividends.
In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul reminds us that we are co-laborers with God, and that He is the one who gives the growth. Our job is to be faithful in sowing the seeds, and to trust God with the harvest. We may not always see the fruit of our labor, but we can have confidence that God is working in and through us.
What if the person I’m investing in doesn’t appreciate or respond positively?
It’s not uncommon for our efforts to invest in others to be met with indifference or even rejection. However, this doesn’t mean that our efforts were wasted. On the contrary, God sees our faithfulness and is pleased with our obedience.
In Luke 17:10, Jesus reminds us that when we do good to others, we should do it without expecting anything in return. Our motivation should be to obey God and to demonstrate our love for Him, rather than to seek praise or appreciation from others. When we focus on pleasing God rather than people, we can be free from the expectations and criticisms of others.
How can I incorporate investing in others into my busy schedule?
Many of us lead busy lives and struggle to find time to invest in others. However, investing in others doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or elaborate endeavor. We can start small, by looking for opportunities to serve others in our daily lives.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus commends the widow who gave a small amount of money from her poverty, because she gave sacrificially and with a heart of love. We don’t have to have a lot of time or resources to invest in others. We can start with small acts of kindness and service, and trust God to multiply our efforts. By prioritizing our time and focus, we can make investing in others a regular part of our lives.