“You reap what you sow”— this is a phrase that is commonly used, referencing verses in the Bible which helps teach and explain investing. Everyone makes an investment everyday, regardless if it’s intentional or unintentional. Each day we choose what we want to do, what we want to eat, the attitude we choose to have, where we want to go, what we want to buy, etc. One way to view your decisions, is to look at it from a perspective of investing.

When you look at your decisions, like investments, you can see the benefits and ramifications that your decisions have upon your life, as well as on the lives of others. For example, you wake up in the morning and on your way to work decide to buy a McGriddle from McDonald’s. Your decision to get up and go to work is sowing (investing) your time and energy into your job, and reaping money and work experience. You are also investing in eating fast food, which is mostly unhealthy. And, you are also investing in McDonald’s (as a business), when you give them your money.

I was happy to see my brother this past weekend for his birthday, as we may only see each other a few times a year. He and I went to see my father and spend time with him. In the middle of a conversation about work, Dad opened his heart about something in his life when he was married to my Mom (which is rare). Dad told us, “Don’t work so hard that you neglect your family. When you were kids I worked all the time, because I thought I needed more money. But, I spent so much time away from home, I lost what was most important… my family.” 

In life, you can also reap what someone else has sowed. I believe that if you know better, you should do better. Many people I know are having issues in their relationships, issues with their health, issues financially, issues with their faith and beliefs. I believe you should pray to God and read the Bible for wisdom on how to invest your time, your energy, and your money. Though there are always exceptions to every rule, and nothing worth having is easily attained… nevertheless, in most cases in life we will reap what we sow.

Psalm 126:5-6 [NASB] – Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.