Blue CHip Stocks

In a conversation with my dad the other day he was telling me about his Blue Chip stock portfolio. Blue Chip stocks are highly rated companies that are known to be valuable, established, and stable. One writer says, “A blue chip stock is a stock you’d bring home to meet your parents: It makes a good impression and has the substance to back it up” (O’Shea, 2020). In other words, Blue Chip Stocks are a good investment (think Apple, Google, Disney or Amazon). 

As my dad told me more about Blue Chip stocks, often a costly investment, I was surprised to hear that he had invested. But as the conversation progressed he informed me that his portfolio did not include stocks from Apple, Google, or Disney.  Instead, his portfolio was a record of generosity investments in the Kingdom of God. His “Blue Chip” portfolio details and outlines the money he’s given to support the cause of Christ. It serves as a reminder that giving to God is the ultimate investment. 

And if we are honest, generosity is a tough discipline. It’s easy to get bogged down on our wants and needs. It’s easy to make sure that we have enough money for the vacation home, the hobby, the fancy dinners, or the concerts. Often times, we sacrifice generosity for the sake of things we want. 

At church on Sunday, we talked about the Widow who gave 2 small coins in front of Jesus. And instead of belittling this widow for such a small offering, Jesus honors her. He uses her generosity to teach a valuable lesson. He teaches us that generosity is not so much about what comes out of the wallet… But it’s about what stays in the wallet. In other words, what are we holding back from God? Why don’t we give him full access and full authority to our finances? 

This is a total elevation of what it means to be generous. It’s not just giving from your surplus but it’s diving into that surplus to the point where you feel it. When the widow dropped in her two coins, she was abandoning everything for God. Nothing stayed in her wallet. She was making an eternal investment because she knew that the SUM of her heart was GREATER than SOME of her possessions. She was investing in the ultimate blue chip stock. She was investing in a Kingdom that is reliable. A kingdom that is stable. A kingdom that is eternal and of the greatest value. 

So here’s my encouragement to you… Give till it hurts. Invest in the ultimate Blue Chip stock. Serve with your finances. Ask God for the power and the heart to let go of those things that stay in your wallet and keep you from being generous. 

And as a way to hold yourself accountable, maybe consider starting a Blue Chip Portfolio. Keep track of your generosity. Not as a way to boast or become prideful, but as a way to remind yourself of the eternal investments you are making when you decide to be generous. 

In Matthew 6:21 Jesus says, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” 

Where’s your heart? Does Jesus have it? Or is it in your wallet? ​