Prayer Journal
Tuesday, September 26, 2000
Everyone saves for a rainy day. Right? Maybe not. Well, I'm sure retirement is an important goal in everyone's life. I don't think so! But if you do plan to retire, you'd better know about your investments or one "bad" day in market can take everything you've saved.
Some companies think that providing 401k matching funds for their employees is a good way to attract and keep long term, loyal workers. Yet many of those same companies will downsize in a heartbeat after a change in the market or company ownership. Getting a pink slip can happen to anyone - anywhere - anytime. Maybe it's happened to you or is in your future. Sorry to start your day that way!
In the same way, regardless of the perks, many long time employees will leave a company for a "better" opportunity with little or no notice to their employer. It seems in this economy, loyalty takes a position behind personal interest and "golden" opportunity.
Jesus spoke often of investments and planning for the future. His portfolio was heavily vested in the spiritual realm called the kingdom of God. His investments counted for eternity but seemed to have no value to the average observer.
If Jesus had stopped by The Jerusalem Bokerage Company, and shared what he was doing with his time and energy, a broker would have shaken his head in disbelief and probably called Jesus a sluggard and a fool. "How will you be prepared for the future? What about your family? What will happen to them should you become disabled or die prematurely?"
I think you'll agree that the reason people don't invest their lives in other people as Jesus did, is not ignorance, but rather personal "choice". They put more importance in 50 to 70 years on earth, than in eternity. They honestly believe a spirit-filled investment in the kingdom of God is "optional". They think (and will try to convince you) that God really cares about life insurance, securities and property rights for survivors. Not!
Some of you may be getting really angry right now. (I remind you that anger is a symptom of a broken relationship with God) I defend my position (as if I had to do so) by comparing the lives of the early Christian martyrs and the lifestyle of the first Church. Revisit the first chapters of Acts and see what Christians, positioned to serve God, did with their money and possessions.
Did you know
that currency burns regardless of its shape, form or age? Maybe we should
rollover our 401k into a 41K plan. (For One Kingdom)
Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
"The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sin of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden." 1 Tim 5:24,25
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
