This graduation weekend, I had the privilege of speaking on a topic close to my heart: investing in God's kingdom. While many grads receive short-lived gifts like towels or laundry baskets, I wanted to explore the concept of investments that yield lasting returns, both financially and spiritually.
My message centered around Luke 19:11-26, the parable of the minas. This story isn't just about money; it's about how we respond to the trust God places in us. A nobleman entrusts his servants with a significant sum – equivalent to roughly $18,000 today – to invest. The results varied widely. Some servants doubled or even quintupled their investment, while one hid his, fearing risk.
This parable mirrors the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, but with a key difference: every servant received the same initial amount. The focus isn't on the initial gift, but on the servant's response to the opportunity. Did they act on the trust given, or did they remain stagnant?
I introduced the concept of the "Riverwood Fist"—Finances, Influence, Skills, and Time. Everyone possesses these resources, regardless of their financial situation. Even small financial contributions can make a difference. Similarly, we can invest our influence by impacting others, our skills by contributing to church activities, and our time through volunteering. I shared examples of Wartburg students like Clay Peel who actively volunteer their time.
Investing always involves risk, whether it's the stock market or even a simple bank account (due to inflation). The parable highlights this; the servants who invested wisely, even taking risks, saw significant returns. The servant who hid his mina feared risk, but ultimately missed out on the opportunity for growth. Often, our hesitation to take financial risks stems from deeper priorities, not just a fear of losing money.
This ties back to the idea of short-term versus long-term thinking. A Super Mario Bros. 3 is fun, but a pair of high-quality merino wool socks (like the ones Sammy Schaefer and I own!) lasts a lifetime. Our investments should reflect this same long-term perspective.
Matthew 6:21 reminds us that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also. Everything we possess belongs to God. Investing wisely in His kingdom isn't just about financial gain; it's about expanding His influence and impacting future generations. The guaranteed return on investment in God's mission is immeasurable; it's about making and discipling Jesus followers, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28) and the call to discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2).
This isn't about earning God's favor; His love is unconditional, given through Jesus' death and resurrection. Salvation is by faith, not works. Our investments are a response to His grace, a way to participate in His ongoing work.
The sermon concluded with a call to consider how we honor God with our possessions. It's about moving beyond a materialistic "American Dream" and embracing the abundant life found in Jesus. This abundant life transcends material wealth; it's about salvation and a deeper relationship with God. Every donation, no matter the size, has eternal significance. It's about investing in elementary kids' programs, adult growth groups, missionaries—all with a long-term, kingdom-focused perspective.
