Happiness Habit: Investments in Eternity
By Rick Warren

“Though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will have because of your kindness.” (Philippians 4:17 LB)

Every time you’re generous, you invest in your eternal home.

Jesus called this principle “storing up treasure in Heaven.” He actually used this phrase six times in the Bible! Any time Jesus says something six times, you better pay attention. If you don’t, you’re going to miss the blessing.

Life is not about storing up things here on Earth. Life is about storing up things in Heaven. The Bible says don’t store up a bunch of stuff here on Earth where thieves can steal it and rust and moths can destroy it. Store your treasure in Heaven.

That makes sense. Why? Because you’re going to spend a lot more time in Heaven, and you’re going to need the spoils and rewards far more in Heaven than on Earth. You only get 80 to 100 years on this planet, and you have to leave everything behind. But, you will get to enjoy your treasure in Heaven for eternity!

So, how do you store up treasure in heaven? How do you send it on ahead?

The Bible says you do it by investing in people. There are only two things that are going to last forever: the Word of God and people. People will spend eternity in either Heaven or Hell, and your investment in someone could make all the difference. God wants you to invest in people, because those investments have eternal consequences and rewards.

Philippians 4:17 says, “Though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will have because of your kindness” (LB).

Paul wrote to the Philippians to express his appreciation for their support, but he said what meant the most, what brought him the most joy, was knowing that their sacrifice and generosity gave them treasure in Heaven. They invested in him, but they also invested in their eternal home.

You will be rewarded for everything you’ve given away. Are you giving away your time? You’re going to be rewarded in Heaven. Are you giving away your energy? You’re going to be rewarded in Heaven. Are you giving away your money? You’re going to be rewarded in Heaven.

Talk It Over

  • In what ways are you making an investment in people’s spiritual growth?
  • What is the hardest thing for you to give away? Ask God for faith to move past your fear or selfishness so that you can experience his blessing. He may not ask you to give it away, but he wants your willingness to do whatever he asks.
  • How can you cultivate a lifestyle of storing treasure in Heaven rather than here on Earth?

For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit rickwarren.org

Habits of Happiness Study Kit

Now—more than ever—people are yearning for true happiness. In this brand new 6-session DVD study kit study called “The Habits Of Happiness” Pastor Rick Warren will teach you “exercises for a happy heart”, and offer biblically based ways to develop a perspective of contentment. Through this study, you’ll learn how to cultivate the transformational habits of gratitude, forgiveness, humility, and contentment, Relieve stress and conflict by staying focused on your God-given purpose. Stop comparing yourself to others. Release the pain of your past hurts. And grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus.

This devotional © 2016 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

You can also listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.