Beware! The Bible warns us of those who choose to seek out and destroy. Or rob or harass. And so often when we are on a heightened alert, we do look out, but we are not always sure what we are looking for. We trust when we shouldn't, and when taken advantage of, fear sets in. And at that point we have already lost something, even though it is intangible. We have lost our peace, our well being, and even sometimes our security. So we need to beware of who comes to the door, and what they really represent. Many times they only have dollar signs in their eyes. Yours.
When in Joplin this summer assisting in cleanup and ministering after the tornado, we saw people stripped of all possessions, and life savings and even health. Without fail though we didn't see one person who had lost heart. But we did talk to many who were going to take the insurance checks, and leave the area. They didn't, or couldn't bear to live there any longer, so would move on. It was still less than one week after the tragedy, and I would expect they were still in shock-we were just driving through. But praying with some, assisting others, and helping as needed, they all were glad to be alive. And at least for the moment, possessions were of a second nature. At least until they walked us around and showed us what used to be. Or stepped on a wedding certificate. Or a scrapbook. Or couldn't find their car. Or couldn't find their pets. Or their houses. You could see it beginning to settle in on them-their homes were gone. Some for over 60 years. And they could go to the address, but they could never go home again. Even the memories were not the same. No amount of money would restore those.
Having a small fire has caused more stress and misery to us than I would wish on someone I don't like. Insurance companies who find loopholes, contractors who do not do what they say they will, and then lie to cover it. Unreasonable pricing, and being taken advantage of in a situation when your emotions are running everywhere except where they should be. Threats that add more to the damage, and who do you turn to-since now they have proven they cannot be trusted. And that is where I find myself today-not trusting. Damaged more by contractors and their lack of ability and integrity, than by the actual fire. Having my house over run by strangers for 3+ weeks, and still the house isn't done. So pray for them, and for us. We need the peace they have robbed back into our lives. For truly there is no place like home-it takes a tragedy, even a small one to realize that.
Years after our last big San Diego fire, some are still fighting with insurance companies. The government hasn't helped much, in one instance they changed the laws so the roads are wider to allow bigger fire equipment through. The insurance company will not authorize repairs until the road is complete. With no money, and no home, this man has no one to turn to. And no home to return to. And in three cases I know of, the insurance companies have put so much pressure on a family that it ended in divorce.
We found that full replacement value means after depreciation, if you put out the additional expense, they will reimburse you up to a limit, then you are on your own. We had to stay in our own house, despite the fumes, and bad air because we had no money to put out for motel rooms-they would reimburse us but not do any direct billings. My breathing still suffers today. And although I am glad we have insurance, when I see the estimates for repairs, they are outrageous. Over $8000 to clean my house? $986 to steam clean a sofa, two chairs and an ottoman? The subcontractor wanted over $4800 to repaint the ceilings-I had my entire house, inside and out painted for less than that last year! Do we wonder why insurance rates are so high? And why semi-skilled contractors drive new trucks each year? Collusion-although you could never prove it. A hidden sin, that only shows up in your next bill. Can't wait until my bill comes due!
So you cannot trust anyone. For man will always revert to his selfish and self preservation ways. No more barn raising by neighbors, or friends taking in friends. But fortunately we have Jesus. He knows all about scoundrels, and those that pray on the weak. And is the only one who can be trusted-He has proved it over and over. And this is not a plea to help us, keep praying, thanks. But a plea for those who take advantage of those who Jesus refers to as the least of these. To take them to task, to report them to the authorities they are responsible too. To see that the sin in their line of work is removed, so that the next ones don't suffer because you were too lazy or afraid. And pray for their salvation, they need Jesus! So don't hide your light under a basket, let it out and watch as the rats flee from the light. Exposed for what they are. And aid those in need, for Jesus tells us that whoever helps the least of these ones, is aiding Him. When is the last time you gave Jesus a cold drink of water?
Show some love for the least of these today. Report those who are evil to the law. Be bold in Christ, but never vindictive. And pray for their salvation. Wood, hay,and stubble are no way to live-and will not get you into heaven. Trust God. You can still go home, it just takes Jesus to get there.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com