Investments: Where Are Your Priorities?

When we hear the word “investment,” we often think in terms of the stock market, receiving interest, or finances and Wall Street. 

However, true investments determine where we spend our time, our relationships with friends and family, and spiritual growth – these and other aspects of our lives make up who we are and determine who we are becoming. As Christians, these investments should be biblical and Christ-centered. We are either at a return or loss based on that specific investment. We either grow or wilt based on our investments. 

There are three major areas of life I want to briefly explore when it comes to investing: time, relationships, and church involvement. 

The Investment of Time

Time is a huge asset. It is also the most costly asset. Time cannot be returned. Once it is spent, it is spent. The time I spent writing this article cannot be returned to me. The time we spend on social media is gone forever. Conversely, the time we use to invest in our families, read good books, and pour into the lives of others is never wasted. 

Theologically, God is the creator and inventor of time, yet he is not bound by time as we are. He is above and beyond time. David says in Psalm 31:14-15, “But I trust in you, O LORD, I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand.” David surrenders his life – his time – to God amid uncertainty.

When thinking theologically about time, it is important to note that God holds us accountable for how we use our time – for building up the kingdom of God or building our own earthly kingdoms. 

Here are some questions to consider when thinking about how we use our time: Where do I invest my leisure time? Am I focused on being present and being productive where I am, or am I constantly getting side-tracked and trying to multi-task? What areas of my life deserve more of my time? How can I be sacrificial with my time and build others up? How can I further invest my time in the kingdom of God?

Life is short. Eternity is long. Let’s invest our time well for the kingdom of God. 

The Investment of Relationships

“Keep the best company. Be much with those who are much with God. Let them by your choicest companions who have made Christ their choicest companion.” – Charles Spurgeon

We have heard the often-quoted and very true statement, “You become like the five people you hang out with.” The connotation is that our closest friends influence who we are now and who we will become. Who we listen to – the advice we receive – matters greatly. 

This raises a very important question for us to consider: who do we spend the most time with? Who have we given an ear to speak into our lives? Are these friends believers, and is their counsel firmly rooted in Scripture? Is this a reciprocal relationship where these friends are also open to correction? 

The Investment of Church

For the Christian, involvement in the local church should not be a side decoration for our lives. The local church should be a focal point in our lives. God has given the local church as a primary means of grace to strengthen our spiritual growth, give accountability, and to provide Christ-centered relationships. 

As much as the church is called to invest in its members, we are called to be just as invested in the life of our church. It is a reciprocal relationship. Time given to relationships within the church, encouraging your pastor and his or her family, and being faithful in weekly attendance is never a waste of your resources. This investment yields an immense profit and is more than worth the effort. The church is the bride of Christ. What Jesus loves, we ought to love.

Big Overarching Question

So, how can you live more intentionally in each of these three areas: time, relationships, and church?

These create the foundation on which our lives are built. How do you spend downtime? Are your friendships wise according to Scripture? How much time do you invest in unhealthy relationships? Are you invested in the spiritual health of your church? Do you submit to your pastor’s watchful care over you? 

These are wonderful things to meditate on as we begin a new year. Let this serve as a heart check to see where you are at in each area and how you can grow throughout this year. 

Brittany Proffitt lives in Dallas and is a writer and content manager for So We Speak.