In last weekend’s services we took a look at Christ’s command for us to invest what we value in a way that pays eternal dividends. In this week’s Message About Purpose and Strategy, I want to point you to what the Bible says about God himself being pleased with what we invest in heaven. Our financial support of ministry is ultimately an offering to God. In Phil 4:18, Paul refers to a financial gift as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” God is the real recipient when we give. God won’t forget what we’ve entrusted back to him. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” He takes it personally when we obediently prioritize his values and give. “Whatever you did…, you did for me (Matt 25:40). The Bible calls us to present our first and best to God. “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits…” (Pr. 3:9,10) not with the leftovers. When we consider the challenge to live the Christian life with eternity in mind, giving and serving with abandon, it is easy to hold back in fear, thinking that the cost is too high and the sacrifice is too deep. Paul, the Apostle, gets us back on track: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor 4:17,18).