Invest in Your Character, Not Your Comfort - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - December 14, 2021

Invest in Your Character, Not Your Comfort
By Rick Warren

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

God wants you to grow spiritually and become more like Jesus Christ. One way you can do that is by taking some of your money and investing it in your 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). 

Your money can help you grow in spiritual strength. You can use it to develop skills, to educate yourself, to become a better leader, a better speaker, a better intercessor, or just a better person.

The truth is, you’re not taking your car to heaven with you. You’re not taking your condo, couch, or clothes to heaven either.

But you are taking your character. It may be tempting to use your money to invest in comfort, but God wants you to use your money to invest in something that’s going to heaven—your character.

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

I’ll never forget when I bought my first Bible. I was a teenager and thought, “This is the most important book to me, so I’m going to get the best one I can find.” I did a little research and found one I like called the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible. Then I said, “I want a binding that lasts, so I’m going to get it in the nicest leather I can find.” It cost me 60 dollars to buy that Bible—two months of my allowance. I gave up two months worth of snacks and movies, but I got a really cool Bible I could use for the rest of my life.

I still have that Bible. It’s my most treasured possession because I’ve read through it so many times. I have it underlined and marked up.

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). 

You can spend your money on junk food or soul food. Choose to spend your money on food for your soul that helps you grow spiritually.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick

For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!

Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes

As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.

Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.

As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.

Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.

Thank you for your partnership!

*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.

This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.