Investment Strategy

This is the time of year some people are afraid of the mail in their mailboxes.

December is the month for overindulgence. We overeat and we overspend.

January is the month for “facing the music.” It’s the “moment of truth” when the credit card bills arrive and we realize we spent more than we could afford on Christmas. Again.

For many it’s a vicious circle. In January we vow we’ll never do it again. Then the Christmas season hits and we get caught up in the spirit of buying. Before you know it--it’s January again and we’re miserable when the bills arrive. Why do we do it?

Well hold on just a minute. If it happens every year, make this the year you do something about it!

Pay off the credit cards and come up with a reasonable investment strategy.

If you start now, you can save a little each week. And when the 2008 Christmas catalogs start arriving you’ll have cash. No credit cards needed! Just think of the wonderful January you’ll have in 2009!

Unfortunately Americans aren’t very good at thinking ahead and making a plan. We like to live for today. Part of the reason we live for today is fear of the future.

Some people are too afraid to invest. They don’t trust the bank or the stock market. And if they save cash at home they’re afraid someone might break in and steal it.

Others “invest” in possessions. Their motto is “Buy it now because tomorrow never comes.” But depreciation can make that a bad deal. And here’s the worst part: one day you’ll leave it all behind. Permanently. Then who will benefit from all your hard work?

So what can you do?

Jesus Christ gives us advice that makes sense both financially and spiritually. He said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

It makes sense to plan for the future. It’s also good advice to put your treasure in something (and somewhere) that will last; something you can care about.

Most people plan to retire some day. Many have a retirement or savings program in place. But what about forever? We’re all going to spend forever somewhere. It makes sense to think about it now and send something ahead.

First you need a plan to get to heaven. Jesus took care of that when he said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Trust in him.

Then invest in things with eternal dividends. The only thing you can bring to heaven is people. Find and support organizations that help people with their physical and spiritual needs. Especially those agencies that bring people the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”

Don’t kid yourself. One day your wealth will be gone. What will you have to show for it?

Christmas Clubs and savings accounts are good. But don’t settle for just a temporary investment strategy. One day, if you plan ahead, you’ll have “treasure” that will last forever.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!