Check Out a Great Blog Post

Jeff Gauss is a Pastor in Cushing, MN. Read his excellent post, Risk and Reward. A link to his blog is found at the bottom of this post.

My father was a financial advisor for 20 years. He taught me a lot about money management – credit, debt, saving, and investing. Everything I’ve learned about financial responsibility, I learned from him. I remember sitting down with him about 10 years ago when Heidi and I were ready to make our first investment. As we were trying to decide where to put our money, he told us this fundamental truth of investing: “Never invest anything you aren’t willing to lose.” This caution is the application of the principle of “risk and reward” which is simply this: the greater the risk, the greater potential for reward; the lesser the risk, the lesser opportunity for reward. In other words, you can put your money in a bank savings account and it is virtually guaranteed to be safe, but you will only earn 3% on your investment. Conversely, you could invest your money in the stock market where you could earn 10, 20, 50, 100% or more on your money… or you could lose it all and have nothing. If you play it safe, you are guaranteed a little return. If you play it risky, you aren’t guaranteed anything. You might lose everything, or you might strike it rich. With great risk comes great (potential) reward.

I have come to realize over the years that there are basically two kinds of Christians: those who like to play it safe and those who like to live on the edge. Those who play it safe tend to be comfortable, secure and satisfied. They risk little, and so, consequently, their reward is little. In terms of spiritual maturity, their growth amounts to a mere 3%. On the other hand, the risk-taking Christians lay it all down on the line. They throw everything into following Jesus. They go when God says, “Go!” They give when God says, “Give.” They risk comfort, security, and personal satisfaction for the reward of a life lived in obedience to the Master. Their risk is great, but the promise of reward is greater. Often times they lose everything (money, jobs, family, friends, even their own life), but they consider it all gain for the privilege of serving Christ and the promise of future reward (Philippians 1:21 & 29).

Truly, my dad’s precaution about investing was first spoken by Jesus: “You cannot be my disciple unless you pick up your cross and follow me. But don’t begin until you count the cost” (Luke 14:27-28a). In other words, Jesus says, “Don’t invest your life unless you’re willing to lose it.”

Many times I am still tempted to play it safe – to take the comfortable and secure path of religion. But as I seek to follow Jesus, I’ve come to realize that a relationship with him is anything but safe. With great risk comes great reward. I’ve gotten a taste of God’s reward and I’ve determined that I can no longer settle for a mere 3% return on my investment. I’m throwing it all in for Jesus and expecting a great return.

What kind of investor are you?

Rurality Bytes

Powered by ScribeFire.