We are called in this life to invest beyond this life. Sometimes, God allows us to glimpse the impact of those investments. And, sometimes not : ) One day, though, we will see exactly what God did with what we gave of our time, talent, treasure and heart. In The Message, at Luke 12:31- 33 there is a great description to keep us thinking about God's economy. I love the picture the word "steep" paints... and the list that describes the First National Bank of God. Every heart-driven generous thing we do, our God uses to give the Kingdom to us and to generations of others...
29-32 “What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.
Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.
33-34 “Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves
a bank that can’t go bankrupt,
a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers,
a bank you can bank on.
It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.