Many years ago, a member of my family made an investment of a few hundred dollars. Over the decades, their investment doubled many times over in value and provided large dividends as well.

The Bible teaches us not only to invest wisely for personal gain while on earth, but more importantly to invest wisely for eternal gain as well. Like my relative making the small investment, if we are patient, even small things can become much greater.

The Bible parable of the mustard seed, the parable about the steward who reduced debts others owed to his master to gain personal favor with others and the passage in the Old Testament concerning the widow who gave her very last meal to the prophet Elijah are three Biblical references that come to mind. Jesus stated that we should be like the man who made friends by using our wealth while here on earth..... Jesus also stated that a tiny seed such as the mustard seed could grow into a very large plant and the widow woman that gave up her and her son's last meal, was fed miraculously for years afterward.

These passages as well as other Bible verses encourage giving and investments for a future gain. Christians with understanding would make every effort to use at least some of their wealth toward wise eternal investing.

Luke 12: "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
(Note: The KJV has proven to be the accurate translation again and again. Always compare scripture translations to the KJV)

The Luke 12 verse and others like it appear to be crystal clear messages from God about what to do. We should make wise investments, even to the point of selling an object we own if that is what it takes in order to make it happen. There are few Bible teachers these days that say specifically what to do from scripture without going off on tangents to give to their ministry. However, one can look to the Word of God and see how to do it. Jesus, spoke to the rich young man and told him to sell what he had and give to the poor, then he would have treasure in heaven. Please look up the verse and read it yourself. In other passages, Jesus said "he that wins souls is wise."
One can make a plan and set aside something, anything toward an eternal investment.

Many are hurting for lack of cash these days, but remember, it's not just big gifts that God notices, but small one's too. (Jesus observed the woman that gave 1 penny in the Temple, and He said that she gave more than everyone else that day; she gave all that she had.) Mark 12:41-44

If you don't believe you can spare anything but really want to give, perhaps you can begin in at least a small way by giving small change gathering dust, in your home, car or couch. After all, what good is money or a possession if it will never be used or invested? If that's not a possiblity, ask God to give you wisdom so that you can give in the future. Quote scripture to God in your prayers and ask God to increase your ability to give. That's an honest prayer and when you pray using scripture then God takes note.

Remember too that examples in scripture don't always show people giving "money" but other things as well. One's time is valuable as well. Jesus mentioned giving rewards to those that even offered a cup of water to one in need. Can you visit prisoners? Share food with the needy through a church? God views it all and He is taking note of everything we do. I suspect that even the prayers we pray may receive rewards one day. You may be the only person praying for a need, a missionary or person and your prayers move God's heart.

Jesus also told a parable about a man who buried an investment opportunity instead of putting it to use for fear of losing it. However, that person was not rewarded for that decision by the man who gave him the opportunity in the first place. Remember, when you are faithful in small things, God will put you in charge of greater things. Matthew 25:21

Another idea for giving may include dedicating small change found while walking and getting exercise. Believe it or not, some people drop coins by accident and walk away from them on the street or parking lot. If it's safe to do so, one could bend down, and pick it up then give that money to a good cause or mission work, or to the poor. Granted, these are extremely small idea's but they are opportunities as well. I wonder how many people will be asked by God one day, why they didn't give when God gave them the opportunity and even provided the means to do so. The Bible seems to teach us that one day God will judge many who wouldn't give to others even small things. Read Matthew 25:31-46.

There are many missionaries, legitimate charities, and worthy causes around the world which would be happy to receive a card, a prayer, a letter and a financial gift of support. If you haven't begun your truly "long term" investing plan, then the Bible's advice to you is clear.