Investments — A sure thing?

April 26, 2006

By Fred Smolchuck

I remember my days as a young newspaper boy selling the Herald-Traveler in Boston to businessmen on Court Street as they rushed to get home after work. A few would immediately turn to the stock market section to check whether their investments were up or down. I imagine others still continue that practice today.

During the 1929 stock market crash that led to the Great Depression of the ’30s, many investors lost not only their shirts but their lives as well. Some were driven to suicide when they discovered their “sure thing” investments were reduced to zero — rich one day and broke the next. The shock was too great!

Recently the Lord reminded me that my good fortune resulted from wise investments my parents made in Paradise Securities. What? You’ve never heard of these securities? No, no, they’re not listed on Wall Street’s Exchange, but they are safe, secure and highly productive.

It’s the bank Jesus recommended. He clearly said, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20, NIV). These securities are a sure thing!

My parents were not able to leave me an inheritance of money. Actually they were fortunate to be able to pay weekly bills and provide food and clothing for the family. But they made regular deposits to my account in Paradise Securities. I didn’t realize it then, but I do now.

I remember hearing Mom pray (making a deposit) in her bedroom: “Oh Lord, bless and keep my son. Use him for Your glory!” I remember Dad every morning at 5 sipping coffee and reading the Bible before dashing off to work. I remember my parents praising God for His love.

I remember my parents making generous contributions to the support of the church. I remember my parents never missed going to church unless it was an emergency.

I remember so many things that created for me a wonderful spiritual heritage and pointed me toward a wonderful, generous God. Each remembrance was a deposit of their life, an investment in Jesus’ Paradise Securities.

Jesus gave us a valuable “sure thing” investment tip. He warned us to not put our trust and hopes in earthly savings. They eventually fail. Invest in a sure thing that produces eternal dividends.

Incidentally, how’s your portfolio? Have you made any sound investments lately?

Fred Smolchuck writes “Life’s Bits and Pieces” and lives in Springfield, Mo.