God and Gold

 

In a TV commercial there is a guy with a somber face who declares that we all should “invest in gold.”  His charts show a steady increase in value when compared to cash. Many are paying attention to his pitch because everybody’s wondering where to put their savings. Is the US Government going to send shockwaves through the financial markets by defaulting on national debt?  Is inflation going to eat away the value of investments. What is ahead for the American economy? Nobody knows! The 'experts' are divided.  

Christians live as part of the economy and only the foolish ignore sound financial principles. Yet, there is the counter-balancing truth that our true treasure is not dollars or gold, but the promises of God.  Some financial decisions for those who are people of the Lord are clearly discerned from His Word.

·         There is the Tithe. I tithe (give the first 10% of my income to the church) regardless of the state of the economy. The first 10% belongs to the Lord and is not mine to spend on even those things that are 'necessities.'

·         There is Debt Management.  The Scripture tells me not to count on tomorrow's income to fund today's desires. Who knows what may happen tomorrow? The only exceptions to that are for things that have enough enduring value to cover the debt created to own them - such as a mortgage.

·         There is Prudent preparation. I buy reasonable amounts of insurance, realizing that this is a prudent way to avoid financial ruin in the event of sickness or accident. I set aside a percentage of my income in savings, anticipating the day when I am, by reason of age or ill health, unable to produce the same level of income I have today.

·         There is Fiscal Discipline. The wise person refuses to spend more than he earns. He refuses easy credit offers, ‘get rich quick schemes,’ and putting his hope in gambling wins.

Yet, there is always this: in spite of our best efforts to prepare and to be wise, the world in which we live is unpredictable. The weather, the government, and things unseen - are beyond our control! So, ultimately we choose to trust these faith-building words from the Lord Jesus: "Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? "Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? "And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." (Luke 12:24-31, NLT)

Disciple, where is your greater security - in God, or in gold?
If all you owned on earth is swept away in flood or fire, will you still be a rich man?
If your wealth is diminished, will you still be a peaceful man?

There are two lines that keep a Believer at peace when the economic storms threaten -- "He will certainly care for you," and, "Seek the Kingdom above all else."

Here's a word from the Word -- "Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Luke 12:33-34, NIV)
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My hope is built on nothing less,

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.

On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand

All other ground is sinking sand.

-       Public domain