Leveraging Temporal Wealth for Eternal GainSample

Why “Leverage”?

A lever is a simple machine that increases efficiency by amplifying a small force and turning it into a much larger one, opening up a realm of mechanical possibilities. As the Greek mathematician Archimedes famously said, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.”

While Archimedes’s scope focused solely on the material and the finite, we apply the principle of leverage to matters of infinite importance.

Whether or not we realize it, we all use the principle of leverage daily. We use it not only in terms of physics but also in the sense of turning limited resources into an advantage. Often this advantage is selfish, intended to bring gain to ourselves at the expense of others. But this need not be so. We can also positively leverage our resources. We can do so by investing that which is passing away into that which is eternal—God’s everlasting kingdom and purposes.

An Eternal Perspective Is Key

Living with the end in mind is the key to stewarding God’s gifts well and leveraging them for His kingdom. For Christians, this earthbound life is a prelude to eternity in heaven. Yet, how often we are looking only to our earthly horizon! We treat this earth as our final home, forgetting Scripture’s many reminders of the brevity of life.

Scripture points to the irony that the more material wealth we amass, the more we feel we need, and the harder it is to let go of what we have. We become tempted to find our security and satisfaction in our bank account, rather than recognizing that God has blessed us so we can bless others.

We challenge you to evaluate your finances and ask God to examine your heart as you read through this plan. He has given each of us a certain amount of time, talent, and treasure to steward—to leverage—for His kingdom work in our unique spheres of influence. At the judgment seat of Christ, God will reveal if we used those resources wisely for His glory.

May He find you faithful.