Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

At best, my wife and I can only pretend to know how to successfully play the stock market.  We barely know the difference between a bull and a bear when it comes to market movement.  We do know enough, however, to recognize the stock market as a place where people can earn significant income with wise investing or lose fortunes by investing recklessly. 

As sure as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the NASDAQ, or foreign exchanges can be volatile and unpredictable, the choices made in the midst of them have real positive or negative consequences.

For that basic reason, we have a financial planner we’ve trusted who has guided us and helped to direct our path. With active faith in our planner’s guidance, my wife and I are currently doing well with our stock portfolio.

Through many hours of dedicated study, there is another area of investment that we are notably more proficient. The Bible, Almighty God’s Investment Guide, tells us that we will reap what we sow.  Proverbs 11:18 says, “A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” Proverbs 14:14 says, “The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.”

How we invest eternally is where we must take the most serious stock.  Do we invest in God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy or do we invest otherwise?  There is no such thing as a non-investor, in that the Bible says that it is appointed unto man once to die and then the judgment.  Just think of the never-ending consequences of pure avoidance or a reckless choice.   

As disciples, believers, and followers of Christ, we have an inside advantage, in that we are temples of the Holy Spirit; the divine Counselor resides within us who believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  John 3:16 says. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  Romans 8:14-17 solidifies the truth that those who are led by the Spirit are children of God and heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven. 

So family and friends, maybe you know or don’t know about the stock market.  Maybe you participate or you don’t. You may be a beneficiary or not. In any case, one thing remains hopeful—your ultimate life is not directly affected.

There are no casual consequences where we must take the most serious stock.  Why would anyone choose to take their last breath without a wholesome relationship with the One who Created us in the first place?  Hearing “well done my good and faithful servant,” as opposed to “I never knew you” is the eternal result of our investment choice.  

1 Cor 10:31; Prov 16:8; Eph 5:11; Matt 25:21; 1 John 4: 17-19