The Bible and your investments (1)

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” (vv. 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” (vv. 21, 23 NKJV). But the one who was risk averse was called “wicked and lazy” (v. 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” (vv. 27-29 NKJV). Practically speaking, here is what this parable teaches us: when the cost of living increases an average of 2.5 percent yearly, your savings must earn at least 2.5 percent yearly, or you will lose money rather than earn it. And one more thought. Since the Bible tells us to invest wisely, you can pray and be confident God will give you sound investment strategies.