Invest in Your Eternal Home
by Rick Warren — July 2, 2022
From The Habits of Happiness
“Though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will have because of your kindness.”
Philippians 4:17 (TLB)
Every time you’re generous, you invest in your eternal home.
Jesus called this principle “storing up treasure in heaven.” He actually used this phrase six times in the Bible! When Jesus says something six times, you better pay attention. If you don’t, you’re going to miss the blessing.
In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus says, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal” (NLT).
Most people get less than 100 years on this planet; then you have to leave all earthly treasure behind. But you will get to enjoy your heavenly treasure for eternity.
So how do you store up treasure in heaven? How do you send it on ahead? You do it by investing in people.
God wants you to invest in people because those investments have eternal consequences and rewards. There are only two things that will last forever: the Word of God and people. People will spend eternity in either heaven or hell, and your investment in someone could make all the difference.
Philippians 4:17 says, “Though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will have because of your kindness” (TLB).
Paul wrote to the Philippians to express his appreciation for their support. But he said what meant the most—what brought him the most joy—was knowing that their sacrifice and generosity gave them treasure in heaven. They invested in him, but they also invested in their eternal home.
You will be rewarded for everything you’ve given away. Are you giving away your time? You’re going to be rewarded in heaven. Are you giving away your energy? You’re going to be rewarded in heaven. Are you giving away your money? You’re going to be rewarded in heaven.
As you go about your day, look for ways to be generous and invest in your eternal home.
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