cktimes.ca Archives for The Pastoral Lens
The Pastoral Lens
Certain Riches for Uncertain Times
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I received in the mail today my quarterly statements for my investments. These include retirement savings, as well as education savings for my 5 children. As I looked at the figures I soon realized that the recent financial crisis in the United States, and felt throughout the world, was making its mark in my life, too. All of my accounts had dropped significantly. Even my children's savings, which I have invested in fairly "safe" portfolios, took a hit. It was definitely not good news for me, but it really didn't bother me. My trust for my family's needs do not lie in any bank account on earth. God is my provider.I learned a lesson 26 years ago when I first trusted Jesus Christ as the Saviour and Pilot of my life. All that I have comes from Him. All that I need will also come from Him. My wife and I have lived by this premise and have taught our children to do the same. Earthly riches are not reliable, as the Bible clearly teaches, yet many people struggle with this concept. In 1 Timothy 6:8 it says, "And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." Later on in this same chapter, in 1 Timothy 6:17, it says, "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy." Did you catch that? We are warned very clearly not to trust in earthly wealth, the things of this world (money, possessions, etc.). They are described as uncertain, and for good reason. You don't have to be rich, either, to follow this advice. The recent collapse of several prominent U.S. banks has proven this to be true. While news reports on television reveal widespread panic and worry, the solution lies right beneath our noses in the pages of Holy SCripture, if we are willing to believe it.
I made a call last week to a credit card insurance company to cancel a monthly charge I never signed up for in the first place. The charge was made on my card as a premium to cover me in case I missed a payment in these uncertain times. I politely but firmly informed the telephone agent that I had a much more reliable insurance plan, one that was guaranteed from heaven. I explained that my last debt, my mortgage, was paid off in 2000, and I have been debt-free ever since. My wife and I fully intend to keep it that way. The agent tried to persuade me that this insurance was still a good idea "just in case." I stuck to my guns, though, and insisted on the charge being cancelled.
I want to encourage you today to shift your reliance away from what you have in your bank or in possessions and over to the One who has all that you need. We are living in uncertain financial times, but the Lord is the One who can bring certainty in the midst of uncertainty. After 26 years I have found this to be true. Why not join me and leave the provision to Him?
