Return on Your Investment: Receive Eternal Rewards Through Relationship

One of many concerns these days are investments and the return on them. Sixteen years ago my husband and I made an investment that has provided us with eternal dividends — becoming leaders of Generation Hope young adults ministry.

Ministering to and mentoring young adults through Christian discipleship has allowed us to invest in God’s kingdom. Through spending time and committing to build these valuable relationships, we have seen God’s hand move on each of their lives. I believe in the adage Time spent equals relationship. You cannot get a return if you do not invest. By having Bible studies, Sunday school, and being in community with them, spiritual growth and deeper relationships have come to fruition, and it is wonderful to witness.

When you travel through life with someone, it provides opportunities to pray, encourage, and correct when necessary. Allowing others to see that you truly love them builds trust, which is a key point in discipleship. You must also be able to listen without interrupting. There is a quote from the book Life Together, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, which states, “The first service one owes to others in community involves listening to them. Just as our love for God begins with listening to God’s word.” Young adults between the ages of 18 to 30 have a lot to say these days and have real concerns. We discuss these concerns, but we always bring it back to The Cross and what God has to say. Through studying God’s word, it motivates and strengthens each of us. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

Relationships and discipleship are important to God. We are privileged to be used by Him through the ministry of Generation Hope. He has allowed us to store up on treasures to make an eternal difference.

Matthew 6:19-21 says this:

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

It is rewarding to see the young adults we disciple now making deposits of their own into God’s kingdom. I leave you with a question: Who are you investing in?

Helpful Resources

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, Christian Kaiser Verlag, 1938. Published in English 1954