The Divine ROI: How Faith and Stewardship Shape Our Investments

Have you ever wondered why the investments you make—whether in time, money, or effort—don’t yield the return you expect? It’s a question I’ve wrestled with often, particularly in the context of today’s rallying cry to “invest in yourself.”

From entrepreneurs challenging employees with statements like, “You’ll spend decades building someone else’s business but hesitate to pour the same energy into your own dreams,” to critics of higher education arguing, “You’ll go into debt for degrees that don’t guarantee success, yet question investing in your ability to thrive as a business owner,”—the rhetoric is loud and persistent.

While these conversations hold validity, as believers, there are two crucial considerations we often overlook in this discourse.

1. Have We Considered God in Our Investments?

This isn’t about over-spiritualizing; it’s about foundational truth. When we accepted salvation through Christ, we relinquished ownership of ourselves. Scripture reminds us, “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord” (Romans 14:8). Everything we are and have—our time, talents, and treasures—belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1).

So, could it be that the lack of return on our investments stems from not consulting God first? Consider Joshua 9:14, where the Israelites failed to seek God’s counsel, leading to unintended consequences. When we leave God out of our decision-making, we risk binding ourselves to commitments that waste time, energy, and resources.

Before diving headfirst into any endeavor, let’s pause and ask: “Lord, does this align with Your purpose for my life?”

2. Have We Done the Work to Steward Our Investments?

One of my favorite quotes is by John Maxwell: “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” Scripture echoes this principle in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27). The Master entrusted resources to His servants, expecting them to multiply what they were given. Two servants worked diligently and saw increase; the third, paralyzed by fear, buried his talent and faced judgment.

This story reminds us that investment requires action—intentional, disciplined, faith-filled work. But what does this work look like?

Soul Disruption and Value Creation

The process of stewarding an investment often begins inwardly. As an anonymous quote warns:
“If you don’t heal what hurt you, you’ll bleed on people who didn’t cut you.”

Before we can create lasting impact, we must confront and heal from the internal wounds that might sabotage our efforts. This self-examination lays the foundation for value creation—the outward expression of our growth.

I say:
“The key to creating value lies in a combination of knowledge, skill, proven success, and tangible outcomes.”

True value emerges when we integrate our gifts with God’s purpose, serving others with excellence and intention.

Redefining Returns: Trusting God’s Currency

Here’s where many of us struggle: the return on our investment may not look like what we expect—or arrive when we want it.

For example, you may invest money and find the return isn’t financial but relational. In a season where community and support are what you need most, this return may be more valuable than a monetary gain. Conversely, God might delay financial blessings to develop your character so that when wealth comes, you steward it wisely.

It’s like receiving puzzle pieces from God. He shows us glimpses of the big picture but doesn’t always reveal the how. This is where trust comes in.

Questions to Consider

As you move forward, ask yourself:

• Does my investment glorify God?
• What values am I filtering my life and business decisions through?
• Am I being a good steward of what God has already entrusted to me?
• Where have I wasted resources, and have I sought the Lord for restoration?

A Call to Diligence

In a world that equates success with self-sufficiency, let us boldly invite God into our decision-making. When we align our investments with His purpose, we position ourselves to please Him and serve His people with excellence.

Remember, the true return on investment is not just in what we gain but in how our lives reflect His glory. That’s a return worth striving for.