Is Investing for Your Future Unbiblical?

Transcription

1 Is Investing for Your Future Unbiblical? Hello family, I am in need of some biblical counsel regarding finances and investing. Is investing for your future unbiblical? Specifically, an investment in life insurance? Scriptures that come to mind are Matthew 6: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and... 34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. I always felt like it was wise to invest in life insurance to provide for the family "just in case" but my wife feels differently and I want to make decisions based on God's word and not what the world advises. Thank you for the counsel I know I will receive from the Lord's body. YBIC, R

2 On 23 Sep 2016, at 09:46, "Pete" wrote: Hi Ryan, Desiring to take care of your physical family and make up for loss of income in case the Lord takes you is a very godly principle. There is nothing wrong about it whatsoever as long as we do it the narrow way. 1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. As the husband you are to love your wife as Christ loves the church. That is your role as the head. Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Christ takes care of all our needs and is our example. I realize these are primarily spiritual statements and Scriptures but they do also have an outward application for us. Eph 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. Eph 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: So providing for your family and storing up for a rainy day is very wise. It is foolish for us to ignore these responsibilities as we need to prepare for the winter. Pro 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Pro 6:7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Pro 6:8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. Pro 6:9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Joseph gathered in grain in the time of plenty to prepare for the time of the famine that would come to Egypt is another shadow of this principle.

3 Gen 41:54 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. So it is a narrow way. Forgive me for expanding your focused question but I think it is an important principle that can be brought to our memory here. The words from Matthew 6:19-21 are primarily speaking to our seeking gain, making merchandise on the earth to win earthly treasures. That is speaking on much more than money and just physical things. Those riches speaks to our seeking any type of gain or covetousness that is inherent to flesh (money, attention, reputation, a following, power, etc). Those verses go on to tell us to stand in faith and to trust we are in the Lord s hands. He is going to give us food, drink and clothing. Those words apply spiritually of course and also physically. But those words to not negate the sum of the word that tells us a man has to work if he wants to eat. Your question is a good one to remind us of the principle of the SUM of God s word being true. Psa 119:160 (CLV) The sum of Your word is truth, And all of Your righteous ordinances are eonian." Which Peter also stresses in his epistle. 2Pe 1:20 (CLV) knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture at all is becoming its own explanation. So while Christ s tells us not to worry about these things because He gives us all those things, it is also true that we still need to work for our food and carry our own burden if possible. 2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. Gal 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden. Having physical money and being wise in how we invest it, earn it, save it or even buy life insurance to take care of our loved ones are all lawful things for us to do. When we do them in faith, believing and not doubting we sin not. We learn to be content where the Lord has us knowing the Lord chooses the few from many tribes, nations and tongues each bringing what the Body needs. 1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

4 Our love for the world and the things in it, is indeed a snare and something we will do so long as we walk in our own garments of selfrighteousness. Those things are burned out of us by the trials we endure as I have learned firsthand to support what the Scriptures teach. 1Ti 6:10 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. 1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Much more can be said on this general topic which I greatly expanded from an initial question about life insurance. Your brother trusting if the full assurance of our salvation and eternal life, Pete On Fri, Sep 23, 2016 at 8:01 AM, 'Ayo Fabiyi' via IWWB Mailing Group<iwwb@googlegroups.com> wrote: Thank you for seeking biblical counsel and your answer of the tongue brother Pete. I think there's many of us in this fellowship who at this time are working hard today to store grain for the morrow. But according to what we have...not what we do not have! DO NOT BURDEN YOURSELF!! 2 Corinthians 8:12-13 (KJV) 12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13 For I mean not that other men be eased, [...such as insurance companies...]and ye burdened: It is certainly a very wise thing to do to invest as long as it does jog become a spiritual or financial burden upon you and your family/relationship. Having said that, I'll like to further expand on a commonly misunderstood Scripture bro Pete quoted which should be elementary knowledge for many of us here.

5 1Ti 6:10 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. 1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. I have heard some say the lack of money is also a root of evil...which demonstrates their lack of discernment what Paul truly meant. It is not the seeking of abundance of riches or the lack of money the Scripture speaks of as "root of ALL evil". We understand the meaning of "love"...and that carries throughout scripture on the spiritual level. Therein is our answer. Keeping in mind at all times what "love" means. That's one key to the kingdom of heaven. The love of Money...yearning for "treasures upon earth", obedience to the riches of this world...not seeking obedience to Christ, which all works at the "root" level of the heart...21for where your treasure (=money) is, there will your heart be also...is the primary meaning of what the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write. Love = obey Caesar's Money= uncertain riches of this world. God's money = treasures in heaven. Coveting in heart the "money", the riches of this world will necessitate disobeying Christ along the way. I am in need of some biblical counsel regarding finances and investing. Is investing for your future unbiblical? Specifically, an investment in life insurance? Investment is SCRIPTURAL, covering the Wisdom of God. Life Insurance is a type shadow of the true investment we are to make...setting our affection upon that - our Security, our Rock...Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:2-4 (KJV) 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [="Treasures on earth"] 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

6 4 When Christ, who is our life, [..=INSURANCE..] shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Invest in and FOR love...faith..truth..peace.. WISDOM, righteousness, joy of the Holy Spirit...the things of God to His glory. Lack of investing is unbiblical and UNWISE. The heart of the natural man continues to invest in the things of this world, nature, which is passing away. The heart of the man of God seeks to invest first in the divine nature... 33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and then...if The Lord wills, the carnal things like Caesars money may be added to us to use for his glory. But the carnal things is not the primary intents of the Scripture. We are to forsake the Epicurean attitude / philosophy of those that walks the broad way unto destruction...which live the "eat, drink, be merry and on the morrow, we die" type of life. Flee from that mind. We are to INVEST...in tomorrow...and that investment SHOULD cover our physical health, (bodily exercise/nutritions) our mind, our finances [one of the main causes of marital problems and divorces in western world...(moreover, the whole world!) etc supported by lack of planning and wisdom) invest in our families, invest in EDUCATION, all on the foundation of that which is NOT passing away..."as much as is in you" Ryan...and forsaking this 'beastly attitude' of men; 1 Corinthians 15:32 (KJV) 32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Why invest if we are dying?! Why invest like a fool if am just going to leave it all for the next fool to waste...?! Why invest if tomorrow we die?!...says the natural man upon the earth. The Lord God FIRST has to burn out that attitude out of our hearts...that "love of money" obedience to money mind frame purging us with fiery trials that will smarten our behind to start putting more efforts to invest in ourselves.

7 Primarily spiritually, but keeping in mind we are still in this clay earthen bodies, and God has set some to be helpers" (1Cor 12) unto others also through their diverse investments. Invest for others profit...the Body's profit, your family and do not be negligent denying the Faith like the worst infidels... we are investing to gain/save the whole world in due time. First... this hearty purging has to take place... Isaiah 22:13-14 (KJV) 13 And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die. 14 And it was revealed in mine ears by the Lord of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord God of hosts. How counterintuitive..., To truly invest, you have to die to "the tomorrow we shall die" mentality. Your question necessitated some expansion as brother Pete implies, as we do not want to be negligent in giving an answer that praises worldly investors for finance -whether for life insurance or others- and condemning those that have not, or vice versa. The narrow way is to lay ALL our investments decisions on the foundation of Jesus Christ. That is wisdom and that was written for our admonition in what Joseph did in the OT. Some may say...but Christ said "sufficient is the evil today"..."don't be anxious about tomorrow..."live life NOW"..! Does that not contradict? Christ did NOT mean do not bother about tomorrow! Tomorrow is in Jesus Christ! Christ already told those that can see and hear what is coming tomorrow!! Yes...a secret. :) Rather, we are to have this attitude...or rather, "mind of Christ" first; James 4:14-16 (KJV)

8 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. [...does that mean life insurance is utterly useless then??! Not at all...] 15 For that ye [..Ryan and whoso is reading...] ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, [...invest in assets...get a life insurance...provide and support our family...travel and see the world...]or that. What we are to forsake doing is rejoicing in evil...on treasures of the earth...which has it's root in our love (hearty obedience) to money. 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Some in the world may advice you not to bother about tomorrow...but keep in mind tomorrow is in Christ. And whatsoever you do...it is ALL for Christ henceforth...if you invest, it's to his glory and do it, little or big, with all your might..(heart) The intention of your heart is now set apart from the Many...peace of mind (a godly thing) can also results from such thing which will greatly profit your wife for example. Who does not want PEACE? James 4:17 (KJV) 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good,[...invest for joy..peace..financial freedom or freedom of mind...etcetera..] and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Faith is the greatest investment we we have. We are putting down something (our lives...time...money) for the reward of something we do not see immediately, but have hope of. The degree of investments is according to how much talents we are given to start with...but in varying degree (measure of faith) we are putting down our lives to follow Him. That's our life insurance. Remember, just as it's primarily a spiritual principle, you and I are are to invest according to what we have, according to our measure of faith, and not what we do not have.

9 2 Corinthians 8:12-13 (KJV) 12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13 For I mean not that other men be eased, [...such as insurance companies...] and ye burdened: As for tomorrow...here's what will happen; Luke 12:27-29 (KJV) 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; [they invest NOT...] and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God [...the greatest INSURER..] so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, [...that is, you and I in this dying world...] and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe [...INSURE..] you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. God will clothe you...primarily putting Christ on you, and in this life, may give you "opportunity" to either get physical life insurance or investment of other kinds. But bare in mind...for us, tomorrow will be about being "cast in the oven", and the best Teflon to put on in that fire will be the Wisdom of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV) 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, [...or get life INSURANCE or not..] or whatsoever ye do, [RYAN] do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:33 (KJV) 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. YbiC...seeking profit of many through investments. ~Ayo Fabiyi.

10 On Friday, September 23, :40 AM, Mitchell Kuhn wrote: Hello R and All, This is a brilliant discussion! Mike, Ayo, and Pete have all done an excellent job of describing the narrow way. God will give us all varying degrees of talents to steward in this life. Some of us will struggle our whole lives to pay the bills and and have a little to share on occasion, while others will have the ability to produce far more than they need to provide for themselves. God had done this intentionally to bring us together as a Body and for each part to learn their function. We must all be very diligent in the unrighteous mammon we are given, for if we cannot be faithful in the physical matters of this life, God will NOT give us the true riches. (Luk 16:10 NKJV) He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. (Luk 16:11 NKJV) Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? Go read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. It's not about how much God gives us, it is about what we do with what we have. If you have one talent, don't bury it in the earth! Use it well physically and spiritually. Be grateful for whatever you have. And if you have many talents, be diligent to manage them well and be generous towards those who lack. (1Co 4:7 NKJV) For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? We only have what God gives us, so we should not boast. We should just express gratitude for all God has done and be faithful according to his word. This topic is near and dear to my heart because God has ordained that I provide for myself through being a financial advisor. I learn so many spiritual lessons through dealing with physical money in this life. I've written a number of studies that will be helpful to anyone trying to learn the narrow way of managing the unrighteous mammon.

11 Much love in Christ to you all, Mitch