2 Corinthians 9:6-15

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6) 

I’ve reached that stage in life where I find myself paying much closer attention to my retirement savings and the fluctuations of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500. Much of the financial planning advice that I receive encourages me to contribute as much as possible in order to reap the most benefit from my investments when I hang up the pastoral stole.

Paul’s words for the Corinthians sound like good investment strategy; however these are investments in the kingdom of God. It has been estimated that if committed Christians in the United States gave 10% of their after-tax income, that would provide an additional $46 billion per year for mission and ministry. Imagine what kind of impact that could have as Christ's church seeks to make the kingdom of God a reality in the lives of others. The key word, however, is “if.”

In what ways does greed limit your kingdom investment strategy? How can this season of Lent with its call to intentional acts of giving and service help you grow in your life of generosity and faithful stewardship?