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“The lord…settled accounts with them” (Matthew 25:19, NKJV).
Jesus said: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man travelling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability…
Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents…And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one…dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them” (Matthew 25:14-19, NKJV).
How does this story turn out? Well, the two men who doubled their money received their master’s highest commendation: “Well done” (Matthew 25:21, 23 NKJV).
But the one who was risk averse was called “wicked and lazy”(Matthew 25:26 NKJV).
His master told him: “You ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away” (Matthew 25:27-29 NKJV).
Practically speaking, here is what this parable teaches us: whatever the cost of living increase per year, your savings must earn at least that increase, or you will lose money rather than earn it. And… the Bible tells us to invest wisely, so you can pray and be confident God will give you sound investment strategies.
“There is desirable treasure…in the dwelling of the wise” (Proverbs 21:20, NKJV)
The Bible teaches two things for succeeding financially. First, be wise when you invest. When someone offers you a return on your money that’s too good to be true – it usually is!
Second, don’t just work for money; make your money work for you. “There is desirable treasure…in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it” (Proverbs 21:20, NKJV).
And there is more than one way to squander your money. If inflation is running at 3 per cent annually, but the interest on your savings is only earning 1 per cent, you’re losing 2 per cent of your purchasing power. So, your fear of investing can actually cause the very loss you dread.
Job said, “What I dreaded has happened to me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes” (Job 3:25-26 NKJV).
If that’s how you feel about investing, read this: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths…Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of…trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught’ (Proverbs 3:5-6, 23-26, NKJV).
God wants to meet your needs, and he wants to meet the needs of others through you. And for that to happen, you must have wise investment strategies.
By Alfred Nyamekye
