More Than Money: A Devotional for Faith-Driven Impact InvestorsSample

What If My Good Works Don’t Count?

"If I give all I possess to the poor... but do not have love, I gain nothing." – 1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV

This verse is both sobering and clarifying. It reminds us that it is entirely possible to give everything away – to be radically generous – and still gain nothing in the eyes of God. Why? Because what matters most is not what we give, but the heart from which we give it.

In a world where Christian impact investing and philanthropy are rightly celebrated, there is a danger in assuming that good works translate into spiritual reward. But this is NOT at all the case! The Bible is clear: obedience, love, and surrender matter more than any activity.

Paul says even the most extravagant giving, even the most impactful investments, if disconnected from love, are ultimately empty. In today's language, that could include allocating millions to noble causes, supporting global missions, and funding Christian ventures – yet missing the deeper call to walk closely with Christ.

God is not seeking funders for His mission. He is seeking followers. He is not impressed by spreadsheets, quadruple bottom lines, or sustainability models; He is moved by surrendered lives.

What counts is not just that we do good things, but that we do them in response to His love, under His direction, and for His glory.

Generosity is good. Even impact investment can be good. But it cannot replace God's love flowing through you out of the disciplines of spiritual formation, repentance, prayer, and Gospel-centered living.

Good works disconnected from relationship with God may bless others temporarily but can never earn a “Well done, good and faithful servant,” compliment unless you first live your life loving others as a disciple of Jesus.

Committing your wealth only counts if your life is committed to Jesus as His disciple, bearing fruit for His Kingdom. And that starts with the fruits of the Spirit flowing in all aspects of your life:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...” – Galatians 5:22-23a NASB

Ask yourself:

Am I loving others as a true disciple of Jesus?

Are the fruits of the Spirit evident to all in my life?

Or, has my giving or impact investing become a proxy for discipleship?

Am I drawing closer to God as I steward the wealth entrusted to me, or hiding behind my own generosity?

Remember, Jesus never promised a life of comfort and easiness, but told us that the gate to life is narrow and the way is hard (Matthew 7:14).

Prayer:

Jesus, it’s easy to do good without loving and following you as I should. Keep me from the illusion of success that hides disobedience. Let all I do – and all I give – come from a heart filled with Your love. Remind me that without love for others as your disciple, I gain nothing. Amen.