Investing in My Character, Not My Comfort

In 2 Peter 3:18 I read, “Grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (TLB)

God wants me to grow spiritually and become more like Jesus Christ. One way I can do that is by taking some of my money and investing it in my personal growth.

The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:18, “Grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (TLB). 

My money can help me grow in spiritual strength. I can use it to develop skills, to educate myself, to become a better leader, a better speaker, a better intercessor, or just a better person.

The truth is, I won’t be taking your car to heaven with me. I’m not taking your house, couch, or clothes to heaven either.

But I am taking my character. It may be tempting to use money to invest in comfort, but God wants me to use my money to invest in something that’s going to heaven, my character.

That means any time I use your money to buy a Christian book that helps me grow, I’ve invested in what I call God’s “Growth Fund.” Any time I use some of my money to pay for a retreat or a conference that improves my life, I’ve invested in the Growth Fund. Any time I spend money on a class or seminar that helps make me more of who God wants me to be, God smiles and says that’s a good use of money.

The Bible says, “Why spend your money on something that is not real food? . . . Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies” (Isaiah 55:2 NCV).

I can spend my money on junk food or soul food. Choose to spend money on food for my soul that helps me grow spiritually.

In summary, grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God wants me to grow spiritually and become more like Jesus Christ. One way I can do this is by taking some of my money and investing it in my personal growth. Money can help me grow in spiritual strength. I can use it to develop skills, to educate myself, to become a better leader, a better speaker, a better intercessor, or just a better person. It may be tempting to use money to invest in comfort, but God wants me to use my money to invest in something that’s going to heaven, my character. Any time I use my money to buy a Christian book that helps me grow or use some of my money to pay for a retreat or a conference that improves my life, I’ve invested in the Growth Fund. Any time I spend money on a class or seminar that helps make me more of who God wants me to be, God smiles and says that’s a good use of money. I can spend my money on junk or soul food. I need to learn to choose spending money on food for my soul that helps me grow spiritually.

I am urged to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; that is, getting to know him better and better. This is the best way to discern false teaching. The sinful world will always challenge my faith. I still have much room for growth. Every day I need to draw closer to Christ so that I will be prepared to stand for truth in any and all circumstances.