You might see a 15% increase in your portfolio, if you’re good. You might hold land that appreciates at 10% annually. Your business might be booming; outperforming competitors, adding staff, and increasing in value. Everything you touch might be turning to gold. You might drive the cars you’ve always dreamed of and own the home your neighbors envy.
Great.
Now, wouldn’t it make sense to put some of that wealth-building skill to work for the future? I mean beyond retirement?
According to Jesus, people who have the right priorities are able to accumulate treasure in heaven; the ultimate in secure, appreciating investments (Matthew 6:19-21). Your Eternal Retirement Account (ERA), won’t need to last you for just 25 years, it’ll be relevant for 25,000. And beyond.
Planning your eternal investments may be the longest-range thinking you’ve ever done, and just like earthly investing, a little strategy and discipline today could yield massive returns tomorrow.
How can I invest in eternity?
1. Consider your priorities. As Jesus was teaching people not to worry so much about earthly things, he made this statement: “Seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all the earthly things will be added to you as well.” In other words, Jesus encouraged his followers to make God their first investment priority.
2. Determine your
risk-tolerance (faith). The more faith
you have to try new things and take big risks, the more impact you could have
for the
3. Contribute on a regular schedule. Many great investment strategies involve regular contributions and rebalancing. Don’t just count on your estate plan or church donations to beef up your ERA. Use your investing savvy to answer questions like these: What could I do on a daily basis to show love for God and love for other people? What activities could I get involved in weekly and monthly to serve others and promote the gospel? What could I do annually that would take faith, risk, and could change people’s lives?
4. Ask God to set your targets. Good investors know what they need, and they know what it will take to get there. Eternal investment is a higher challenge: it involves letting God set your targets for you. Begin praying and asking God to show you how he wants you to use the rest of your life. What is his dream for you and your family? Beware, however, that God isn’t into index funds (just doing what everyone else is doing). God loves those aggressive growth holdings, particularly international opportunities. He thinks outside of the box we call “Possible.” Let God set your targets, and you’ll be in for the most exciting, fulfilling ride of your life.
What will the “returns” look like? In what form will I receive my ERA distributions? I can’t say for sure, but I can guarantee you one thing: they’ll be far more impressive than anything this world can offer you. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Cor. 2:9, NIV).
Dan originally wrote this article for publication in the MI Sun Times.
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