Savings Plan

     This is the time of year some people are afraid of their mailboxes.  Why?  Because 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 cycle.  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, why not do something about it this time?  Pay off the credit cards and come up with a reasonable savings plan.

     If you start now, you can save a little each week.  And when the 2012 Christmas catalogs begin to arrive you’ll have the cash.  No credit cards needed!  Just think of the wonderful January you’ll have in 2013!

     Unfortunately Americans aren’t big on planning ahead.  We like to live for today.    Part of the reason we do it is fear of the future.

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

     Others “invest” in possessions.  Their motto is “Buy 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 benefits 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 truly valuable and significant.

     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 resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”  Trust in him.

     Then invest in things with eternal dividends.  Since people are the only thing you can bring to heaven, support organizations that help people with their physical and spiritual needs.  Especially those agencies that bring people the gospel of Jesus Christ.  That’s how they get to Heaven!

     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 can relieve January stress.  But don’t settle for just money.  One day, by planning ahead, you can have ‘treasure’ that will last forever.  By trusting in Christ and pointing others to him you can have an eternal saving plan.

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