📖 How to Invest Your Life: A Biblical Call to Discipleship,
Generosity and Stewardship
By Pastor Larry Neville

 

Jesus was never vague when it came to priorities. In Matthew 6:19–24, He gave us a direct challenge:

 

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also... No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money.” — Matthew 6:19–24

 

Jesus didn't sugarcoat it. He told us straight: our view of life, money, and purpose will reveal the direction of our heart. So here's the question: Are you consuming your life, or are you investing it?

 

Let’s explore three critical truths that can help you live an invested life—one that matters now and for eternity.

 

1. The Call to Discipleship and Disciple-Making

The Great Commission is clear:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” — Matthew 28:19

Christianity isn't a spectator sport. It’s not just about attending church or having a personal relationship with Jesus—it’s about multiplying that relationship in others.

Ask yourself two essential questions:
 

• Who is investing in you?

• Who are you investing in?

 

Paul lays out the pattern plainly:
 

“The things you have heard from me... commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2

That’s generational discipleship—spiritual investment that reproduces. Jesus didn’t build programs; He built people. He told ordinary men, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). That’s investment language. And it’s how the early church transformed the world.

 

2. Passing the Treasure Test

 

Jesus ties our treasure to our hearts:

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21

 

Jesus doesn’t condemn having treasure—He commands us to store it in heaven, not just on earth. That’s the test.

Here’s what generosity does in your life:
 

• It breaks the delusion of accumulation.
  Proverbs 11:24–25 says, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more... The generous soul will be made rich.”
   

• It connects you with people.
  Jesus said, “Use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” — Luke 16:9
   

• It frees your heart.
  “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). When your treasure is in the right place, your heart follows. Generosity helps detach us from the worry and anxiety that comes from hoarding and self-focus.
   

• It releases you from worry.
  In the same passage of Matthew 6, Jesus says,
  “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink... Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” — Matthew 6:25

God doesn’t want us bound by fear of lack—He wants us to live free, trusting Him and blessing others.

 

3. Living Life as a Steward
 

You’re not the owner of your life—you’re the manager. That’s what a steward is: someone entrusted with something that belongs to someone else.

 

“It is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

Everything you have—your time, talent, treasure, education, personality, and body—is on loan. And one day, you will give an account of how you used it (Matthew 25:14–30).

 

Jesus told the parable of the talents: the ones who invested were praised; the one who buried his gift out of fear was rebuked. Why? Because he didn’t invest in what was entrusted to him. He didn't advance the Master's mission.

The point is simple: God gives you resources to invest—not to bury.  Whether young, years ahead, or older, with limited time, you're still called to steward well what God’s placed in your hands. That includes planning wisely, giving generously, and passing on your faith.

 

A Final Challenge

One day, like King Hezekiah in Isaiah 38:1, we’ll be told, “Set your house in order.” The question is: Will your house be in order spiritually, financially, and relationally? Will your legacy be one of accumulation or investment?

 

There are people in heaven today because someone chose to live generously. Praise Chapel has churches worldwide because someone chose to invest in discipleship. There are stories yet to be written because someone like you chooses to live the invested life.

 

Let’s not settle for success defined by what we own. Let’s aim for significance—defined by who we’ve reached, served, discipled, and sent.

You’re a steward. You’re a disciple. You’re a disciple-maker. You’re an investor in eternity. Live like it.

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📘 Reflection & Discussion: Questions to Help You Invest Your Life
 

1. Discipleship & Disciple-Making

• Who is currently investing in your spiritual growth?

• Who are you intentionally discipling right now?

• What steps can you take to become more intentional about making disciples in your home, church, or community?

• Have you ever viewed discipleship as a long-term investment in people? How does that change your approach?

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2. The Treasure Test

• According to Matthew 6:19–21, where would you say your “treasure” is currently stored—on earth or in heaven?

• What habits in your life reflect generosity? What might need to change to better align with Jesus' teaching?

• How has generosity (or the lack of it) shaped your spiritual walk?

• What’s one specific way you can “store up treasure in heaven” this week?

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3. Stewardship and Legacy

• How are you managing the talents, time, and treasure God has given you?

• Have you ever thought of yourself as a steward instead of an owner? How does that shift your perspective?

• What area of your life needs better management—your finances, your time, your influence?

• Have you taken practical steps to “set your house in order” (Isaiah 38:1)? What’s still left to do?

 

Final Personal Challenge

• If your life ended today, what would your spiritual legacy be?

• Are you building something that will outlive you and bring glory to God?

• What’s one bold step you can take today to start living the invested life?

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Thank you for reading these notes. I encourage you to take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you , now and on a dailiy basis. Subscribe to this website and you will receive updates and new teaching weekly. 

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God bless, 

Larry & Janet Neville

Contact us at: Larryneville.com,  Facebook messenger: Larry Neville or Janet Neville.