Wednesday, May 16, 2012

high income in a low return world




Over the past 20 years I have seen the greed of man exhibited in every aspect of life. From grandmas and hod carriers who got lucky with day trading, then lost it all through greed, to the dot.commies, who just happened to be in the right place at the right time, I have seen accumulated wealth of great proportions. Gone is the work ethic of my father's generation, work hard, save a little, and you will be rewarded later, today it is borrow heavily, invest risky, and suffer the consequences. And as much as it is about the money, with it comes power to buy what we want, to go where we want, and to control others less fortunate. For our benefit, of course. And thanks to government intervention, you can always start over-there will always be someone to loan you money, if you want to pay the interest. But with great promises of wealth, many continue to poorly invest, living their whole life accumulating nothing but debt, a poor credit history, and nothing to show in old age.
We were taught that the government would always be there for us-don't worry. But when it has to borrow to pay you, it shows poor investment issues with all involved. Would you trust a bald barber with your hair? How about a dentist with braces? Or...I think you get the picture. It's like when I hear of missionaries and ministries going directly to the people for money, who don't have it, why would you go to the poor, when you can go straight to God? Who has all the wealth, and likes to share/bless it with us. What makes us think that bad advice will only not work against us? That somehow we shall overcome the same problem, because we are special. Maybe it is true, mental illness is running rampant. For doing the same thing but expecting different results is insanity. Yet watch the world news, and the same themes run rampant-it is all about me, what I want, and I want it all-NOW!
I have watched men buy over priced motorcycles, never ride them, and not enjoy them-they were investment valued. Then when they didn't appreciate, hated them, and never exercised them for what they are. The only hedge against inflation being that the new bike price went up each year, affecting trade in values. Why not just buy the bike and ride it? How are you building memories when you don't do anything? Yet the love of money continues to imprison us.
Jesus tells us in this world there will be tribulation. It is a sad, sinful world. Truly the love of money has become the root of all evil. What we don't realize is that it doesn't have to be that way. We have a counselor, who knows the future, and can guide you through it. Yet we only run to God when it is too late. And we never blame ourselves for our own foolish choices. Jesus also tells us to set our sights on things on high. Not high dollar, high value, or high investment potential. He wants us to remember where a Christian's true citizenship is, and that we should take joy in the fact we are going home to heaven soon. That life here is just a journey, and while God is preparing us a mansion in heaven, He is also preparing us for heaven. You see, He gives us a purpose while on earth, and wants us to exercise all the potential here He as for us. And as so many gain world riches, only to lose their souls, those of us who turn to Christ, who trust Him, and who let us be guided by Him are the real benefactor of riches. For it is by HIS riches, and HIS glory that we are called sons of God. Not by filling a collection plate, or our bank account. The widow who gave all she had, the two mites, inherited more than the richest man.
So when the scripture tells us that it is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than a rich man inheriting heaven, He means IMPOSSIBLE! It ain't gonna happen! What part of that don't you understand? So trade your valuables for values. For even the richest men on earth, when they die, leave everything. What good will your gold be in heaven, the streets are paved with it? What about pearls, they are doors? But first you must get there, you must invest in Jesus Christ. You must turn to Him, and give Him all of you-which is mostly bad. He will take your coal and make it into diamonds in your life-a diamond is only coal under pressure. He will take care of all your needs, so you can be worry free. He will show you why to look up to heaven, and remind us of how the world is failing, rotting away if you will.
Jesus will provide you a high return in a low return world. After all, it all belongs to Him, what makes you think someone can create wealth from nothing? Where were they on the day of creation? Did they tell God where to put hills and valleys? Why not invest in the one who was there...in the beginning. And will be there till the end. The alpha and the omega...the one and only...Jesus Christ!
Wise men still seek Him. And live safe and secure in the knowledge that all things work out for those who love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose. His return is 100%, now what is the return that you were bragging about?
And...the neat thing is you can't take it with you, but you can send it ahead! Now that is a true investment in a retirement plan!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com