As the U.S. economy struggles many retirees find themselves watching the stock market to see how their retirement funds may be affected. These senior adults have spent years planning for their future, so they watch over their investments with diligence. Now they find that there is no real security in money and investments, funds can disappear much more easily than they were earned.

If money is not a secure investment, what is? Who or what are you investing in? A job, husband/romantic interest, a home, children, stocks & bonds, cars, boats, decorations, hobbies, vacations…? Are these the things you turn to for security? Is there any earthly thing we could invest in that would offer a sure return on the investment?

Yes, there is, but those things are not material. Security isn’t found in any possession we could ever hope to own no matter how large or unique or valued by the world. So what things do give us a good return for our time, money or energy invested?

• People. Loving other people always pays off. Quite often you receive love friendship or gratitude in return. But even if you don’t, any loving investment in a person pours into a bank account that makes them a better person and sets in motion other good, loving outcomes. When we minister to the needs of people we open up doors for God to touch and heal broken hearts and lives.
• Sharing the Good News of Jesus. This is the greatest investment we can make. It makes an eternal impact in this present world and in the future for all eternity. When hearts are turned to Jesus a cause-effect chain is set in motion that yields dividends to the end of time.
• Giving money to missions. Tied in with sharing Jesus, is giving money to support others who are around the world sharing the Gospel inlaces you or I may not be able to go. Likewise, it yields eternal outcomes.
• Following the commands of Scripture. Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Any act of justice, mercy or humility honors God, because He has told us this is what He requires of us. When we obediently live out the commands of scripture it yields fruit, righteous fruit.

These are just the tip of God’s rewarding investment strategies. We humans invest in things. God invests in lives. If we can get our focus off of all that glitters, we will see the greater value in lives that can be helped and changed for God’s glory.

So, what or who will you be investing in?