financial freedom

Invest in Today and Tomorrow

by | Aug 11, 2017 | Maximum Generosity

There is a well known Latin term “carpe diem” which means to “seize the day.” It is used to urge someone to make the most of the present time and give little thought to the future. Enjoy the pleasures of the present without any concern for tomorrow. It is one option of how to view one’s approach to life. However, this eat, drink and be merry philosophy that so much of the world seems to live by does not square with Christian values.

James 4:14 advises us that we do not even know what will happen tomorrow for our life is like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Nevertheless, this does not mean we are to throw up our hands and say nothing matters or to put our heads in the sand acting like we do not need to engage in life. The biblical mandate is to actively follow God’s commands so that we may prosper and thrive, experiencing the best of what He has for us.  

1 Peter 4:10 encourages us to use whatever gift we have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. This speaks to the need to invest our life energies and resources into other people, here and now, right where we do our daily living, moving and being. There is no greater satisfaction in the Christian walk than to know that we have in some way made a tangible, positive difference in the life of another. Doing this sometimes involves money that God allows to pass through our hands. Some of it is to be used to take care of our own financial responsibilities. Yet, a God-honoring portion of it is best utilized when it makes an investment in His earthly ventures, beginning with our local church. That is the kind of “today investing” that will make a difference tomorrow.  Sinners come to Christ, people with problems and addictions find help, families learn how to live and communicate their faith.  This is the kind of today stuff that will directly impact the world of tomorrow.  

One of my favorite definitions of legacy giving is this: ” Legacy giving is planting a tree today whose shade you will likely never enjoy.” This speaks to structuring our investment of resources in this life in such a way that they far outlive us personally.  Proverbs 27:1 counsels us to not boast about tomorrow for we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is so true. However, as long we are on this side of the grave we have the opportunity to make good choices now that have the potential of changing the lives of people and communities that we may never personally know.  

The saddest and most unfulfilling earthly existence that a person could live is one where everything they possess is directly channeled to their own personal delights without any thought of others. Don’t live life like the rich man of Luke 16:19-31 who lived in luxury with all the finest. He found himself pleading for the beggar Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool his tongue in the midst of the agony where he was destined for eternity. That’s not a wise investment for today or tomorrow. Take heed, invest wisely, experience the joy of giving!

 

  1. How are you impacting tomorrow by the choices you make today?
  2. What does giving contribute to the quality of your life?
  3. What are you building towards?

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