CoffeeBreak With The Word

An astute person buys insurance and makes investments. We purchase insurance coverage to assure our fiscal situation in the event of unforeseen situations – accidents, fires, or floods. We want to buy enough insurance, but we are foolish to buy too much. There is no need for me to pay for a $million policy on my home which is worth a quarter of that amount! I look for the policy that can be provided to me at the least expense by a reputable company. When I write a check to Travelers, I hope I never have to collect a return. It is a ‘just in case’ expense. An investment is much different. An investor puts a percentage of his income into financial vehicles that provide maximum return and minimum risk. He anticipates receiving his money back, plus some accrued interest, at a point in the future. When I send off a check to the company that manages my investments, I trust that they will manage the fund properly in a growing economy for my benefit. I retain an interest in those dollars, checking rates of return periodically, shifting ratios of investment to take advantage of opportunities which are presented.

Among church-goers I observe that some treat religion like insurance, making the minimum payment to assure security! They attend church, not with joyful anticipation of meeting with God, but with a sense of making sure they ‘keep in touch.’ They give offerings, perhaps even tithe (10%) not to joyfully participate in God’s Kingdom work in the world, but because they believe that they are creating a store of Divine good will that forestalls tragic events in their lives, or at least, makes certain that they can ask for God’s help when they need Him in a crisis. They are sadly mistaken, misled by human religiosity rather than spiritual truth! They find neither joy, nor the security they thought they were ‘buying’ with minimal outlays of their resources.

Then there those Believers who invest themselves in God informed by deep faith! The prospectus found in the Scripture assures a rich return on investment. They pour their resources into His work – worshipping, serving, giving – with joy, fully expecting that what they are investing will provide true wealth for their lives – present and future. And, they are right! Jesus gives this investment advice- “Don’t store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them.” (Matthew 6:19-20, CEV) In the middle of a talk about generosity of heart that reaches beyond money, Jesus promised this – “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:38, NLT)

Those who are invested in Eternity, live differently and at peace, for their mind is secure and their heart is connected to the One who is now managing their life treasure. Their wealth, their health, their happiness, their children, their sense of purpose are all secured – not by Merrill Lynch or Morgan Stanley, but by Jesus Christ! If you think I am mistaken, read the words of Paul which he penned to Timothy, near the end of his life, from death row in Rome. He is not in despair, nor does he express regret for putting his entire life under the management of Christ. “I am not ashamed, (embarrassed by my present circumstances) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (the Day of Judgment)” (2 Timothy 1:12, NIV) “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8, NIV)

Here’s the question –
How do you think of your Christianity, as insurance – minimal outlay to secure present wealth the in event of catastrophe;
or as an investment – maximum participation with assured return in Eternity?

The way you live will be radically different, depending on your point of view!
______________________

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord to Thee.
Take my hands and let them move,
At the impulse of Thy love,
At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my love, my God, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Take My Life And Let It Be

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