In God’s economy, we invest in what is eternal: people, relationships, the Gospel, justice, and mercy.

That may sound unusual coming from someone like me who has spent years immersed in finance, investments, and wealth management. I’ve helped many people build their portfolios, manage risks, and grow their net worth. And while those things are not wrong in themselves—in fact, they’re part of wise stewardship—there’s a deeper question I often ask myself, and I encourage others to ask as well:

Are we investing in things that last forever?

I like to say that we need both a balance sheet and a Kingdom ledger.

A balance sheet shows us our assets, liabilities, and equity in the eyes of this world. It gives us a snapshot of our financial condition. But a Kingdom ledger tells a different story. It asks: What have I done with what God has entrusted to me? How much of my time, talent, and treasure am I allocating to things that matter for eternity?

Jesus puts it plainly in Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV):

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

That verse hits home every time. It challenges me not just to be a wise investor in earthly terms, but to be a faithful steward in Kingdom terms.

So what exactly does it mean to invest in eternity?

It means pouring into people—our families, our disciples, our communities. It means strengthening relationships, especially the ones that point us and others toward Christ. It means being generous toward the work of the Gospel, supporting our local churches, church planters, campus missionaries, and those proclaiming the Good News in word and deed.

It means living out justice and mercy, especially for those who are poor, marginalized, or suffering.

As Micah 6:8 (ESV) reminds us:

“He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?”

This is God’s heart. And this should be our framework for financial decisions—not just whether we can afford it, but whether it builds God’s Kingdom.

Now, this doesn’t mean we neglect saving, investing, or planning wisely. I still teach about those things, because Scripture also calls us to be prudent and diligent. But it’s not either/or—it’s both. We need the wisdom of sound financial planning and the conviction of eternal stewardship.

So here’s my invitation to you: regularly audit your Kingdom ledger.

Ask yourself:

• Am I using my resources in a way that honors God and blesses others?
• Is my giving consistent with my gratitude?
• Are my investments aligned with God’s purposes?
• Am I making time for people, not just profit?

One day, our balance sheets won’t matter. Our houses, businesses, gadgets, and savings accounts will fade. But what we’ve invested in the Kingdom of God will remain.

Let’s live, give, and invest with eternity in mind.