Session 7
The Real Return on Investment
From Rich Toward God
When you think about it, life is a series of investments. We invest money into our retirement accounts so that we can live comfortably after our working years are through. We invest energy into a dating relationship with hopes that it will turn into the lifelong partnership of marriage. We invest time into our careers in hopes that we’ll be able to provide for ourselves and our loved ones. When we invest, we typically expect a good return on our investment. But should we bring that same mentality to giving?
When we give to the Church, it’s true—good things happen. Church buildings are built. Debt is paid off. Supplies for student ministry are purchased. Ministry partners get the funding they need to serve the community. But if we’re tithing each week with the perspective of seeing a physical Return on Investment (ROI), we need a new perspective.
Consider Solomon’s giving in today’s Scripture. Everything he gave to the Lord was completely burned up. God didn’t need Solomon’s wealth, and Solomon was not doing God a favor. The true return on his gift—or his investment, if you will—was worship. God is our real ROI. Just like Solomon, our obedient and sacrificial offering to God is worship. Through giving, we express our desires, our desperation, and our dependency on God. And as we come before Him honestly, we fellowship with the God of the universe.
It’s true: there are practical results to our financial stewardship, and it’s a joy to see God’s mission carried out in the world. But what if your gift, like Solomon’s, was placed on an altar and burnt up before the Lord? Would you still want to give? This story in Scripture provides us all with a heart check. At the end of the day, our giving is about God, not about what we get from God—or from the giving itself.
REFLECT
- How do we shift our mindset to make giving about God?
- How would your giving habits change if you viewed God as the ultimate ROI?