Issue 692 – Golden -March 23, 2022
For those who, like me, can easily be distracted by shiny things, here is a photo of some raw gold. It isn’t gold that I collected personally. Over the years, I have found some, but nothing like this.
Gold, silver and other shiny rocks always get my attention. I frequently look at the ground when walking to see the pretty stones. I have been like that my entire life.
This morning I want to talk about some of the dangers of pursuing shiny things.
Years ago, when I worked for one of Canada’s large chartered banks, they used what I now call “golden handcuffs” to retain employees. The banks would provide favourable interest rates and generous terms on loans and mortgages to their employees.
Often an employee could borrow far more in relation to their income and net worth than a non-client could ever borrow. The staff loans were entirely due and payable when you left the bank.
That feature made it very difficult to leave because you would have a hard time replacing the debt and were unlikely to be in a position to pay it all off.
To be fair to the banks, the staff loans programs could be a huge benefit to employees. I don’t think it was ill-intentioned, but it certainly impacted staff turnover.
Like so many others, we fell into the trap, and it took years to extricate ourselves. This world’s glittering “golden” things can be attractive and destructive.
As I watched the business news on television the other evening, two terms, stocks and bonds, struck me. Now stocks, of course, refer to shares in a company, and bonds are an instrument that enables corporations or governments to borrow money. Both are important to the corporate world.
Yet, the terms stocks and bonds took on new meaning in thinking of golden handcuffs. Stocks are the wooden frame that criminals were stuck in to be subject to public ridicule. Bonds are things that tie you up.
Please don’t misunderstand; I’m not against investing in stocks or bonds, nor against prudent financial planning. However, too much emphasis on the material things of this world ensnares us. It can take our focus away from God.
We chase wealth and “security,” neither of which satisfies, and both are transitory. Christians are no different from the world in that regard, yet Scripture tells us that we should be very different.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
Are you investing in golden handcuffs and keeping yourself in bondage, or are you setting yourself free and investing in the things of the kingdom?
An honest look at your heart (and your chequebook) can give you an answer.
Until next time, beware of the things that glitter. They are not always as good as they look.
Are you investing in golden handcuffs and keeping yourself in bondage, or are you setting yourself free and investing in the things of the kingdom?
Until next time, beware of the things that glitter. They are not always as good as they look.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
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#gold #silver #treasure #handcuffs