I remember a story I heard about a man that played the market like Vegas. He bet the farm so to speak. He lost everything. Then, he killed himself.
Do you know anyone that has made poor choices and taken high risks in their investments? Have you ever done that? Do you love and trust in your 401K or similar treasures?
True, we do need to be good stewards and invest well. If you read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, you will see several pictures of stewardship. Good stewardship is praised.
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Matthew 25:14-15
In the end, the man with 5 talents and the man with 2 talents invested well and doubled the talents. The man with the one put it in the ground. He did not invest at all. He missed that opportunity for his master altogether. He was not a good steward of material things.
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 25:29-30
There is another picture of stewardship here. It deals with the spiritual. We are given talents to be used to let God work through us to reach others for Him. We need to remember that this is more important than the money. Outer darkness is the fate of the unsaved who are, of course, not using their talents for God.
A word of caution – while we have an opportunity in this life to be good stewards with the things that have been given to us, we need to be sure we know the difference in being a good steward and placing our trust in our money. Having said that, money is not the problem.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:9-10
It’s the love of money that brings the problems. Greed leads to bad decisions. The bottom line is to invest well, but place your love and trust in God. Be a good steward not just with your material resources, but also with your time and talents. Be sure to use them for the Lord.
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to not look at your home, car, stocks, money, or whatever as if they are the most important things in your life. Remember, God is always there for you. He did not promise you riches in this world. No matter what happens here, be about storing up your treasures in heaven.