FAITHFUL STEWARD INVESTING
FIVE OF THE MOST PROFOUND WORDS IN THE BIBLE
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful”
(1 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV)
Adam enjoyed the early morning. He was continually amazed with how the darkness of night became filled with the light of day. The sounds also changed as birds began singing their melodic songs of morning greeting. Large lumbering beasts rose up from their rock like positions on the ground. A gentle, warm breeze filled the air. All of life responded with gratitude to what could only be described as “breath”.
What Adam enjoyed the most were his conversations with THE ONE who told him again and again how existence had come into being and why.
Adam considered and with others preserved, the words; “In the beginning GOD created”. These five words are first among the most profound in providing understanding of who we are and whose we are.
“In the beginning”, speaks of the origin of time as we know it. It is a fundamental statement of when life began to exist. When someone asks you to “tell me your life story” where do you begin? Most of us will start with “I was born….” But our birth is not when we had our beginning. Our beginning occurred some months earlier when a man and woman did what was necessary to start the process. We call it “conception”.
When I ask “what is your concept of a particular item or idea what happens? In your mind you form a mental image of the object. ‘In the beginning’ the reality is an object in your mind. For each of us “In the beginning, GOD”.
“GOD” identifies the one who was always present, who existed before time could be measured. GOD has no need for time. It is irrelevant and immaterial to his being. Time is for our benefit. Time is important to what is finite, not what is infinite. Time becomes especially important to us when we discover our humanity, that we are mortal and not indestructible. There comes a time for each of us when we realize death will happen, to us. Death is immaterial to GOD, it does not happen. For each of us, “In the beginning GOD created”.
“Created” answers the question of what GOD did to bring all life into existence. Notice the similarity between ‘creation’ and ‘conception’. Let’s say you are a craftsman who works with wood. You get an idea in your mind of something to build. You think through each process, assemble the necessary materials and begin to shape and assemble pieces until the project is finished. What began as a concept in your mind is now a reality. It can be seen, touched, and used for its purpose. You are its designer and creator.
Question: To whom does the created object belong?
QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION. Based upon the five word statement, “In the beginning God created”.
- To whom does all that exists belong?
- What is our responsibility to GOD as one of HIS creations?
Adam, and Eve, were given responsibility to care for a part of GOD’s creation. At first they did well in following instructions. Life was great. Their every need was met. But, they disobeyed GOD, they messed up, and life took a dramatic change.
We have each been given responsibility for GOD’s creation. Some of it involves joint care with others. Some of it is specific to each of us and is identified when we speak of “my house, car, money, etc”.
The area I call attention to concerns your material possessions described as “Financial Investments”.
To what extent does your use of God’s money reflect his interests and values? Are you fulfilling GOD’s purpose for your life? As a Christian, are you engaged in Faithful Steward Investing?
To bring GOD’s financial resources (entrusted to you) in line with your faith commitment contact me.
Morris Vickers, D.Min., AAMS, Financial Security Advisors
Please feel free to share this story with other people of faith.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Financial Security Advisors, Inc, is a “fee only” Registered Investment Advisor, incorporated in Maryland in 1984. We provide distinctive financial services to faith sensitive investors.
Morris Vickers, in addition to being the founding owner of FSA 23 years ago, has provided financial guidance for more than 35 years. He is also an ordained minister with more than 30 years experience as a pastor and Director of Missions for an association of 27 churches. Morris is a Qualified Member of Kingdom Advisors, an organization of Christian financial professionals.