Have you considered silver and gold?
It seems like more and more commercials these days beckon us to consider these precious metals as a safe harbor for at least a portion of our wealth.
I no longer handle such investments for clients, but did deal in precious metals investments for more than 20 years.
Frankly, it became too demanding attempting to keep up with the market.
Recently, I’ve been somewhat dismayed by some folks in ministry giving testimonials on the value of investing in silver and gold. I suspect those ministries are receiving compensation (perhaps actual silver and gold) for their apparent endorsements.
I hope that money goes into their ministry and not into their own pockets, God’s Word has much to say on this subject.
Listen to these words found in Haggai 2:8: “‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty.’”
That pretty well sums it up.
What’s the Draw?
Why do we desire silver and gold so much? Yes, it’s bright and shiny. It can be mesmerizing. It feels substantial in our hands.
But it’s really nothing more than the many other things we consider our possessions.
There was a time in my life when I truly enjoyed looking through an old coin collection my grandparents passed on to me when I was a young man. There are no gold coins in that fairly insignificant collection.
I seldom look at them these days, but I do plan to pass them on to our daughter in due time. Perhaps she’ll enjoy them as I once did!
Those coins may well have a current value nearing $1,000, but I simply hang on to them for sentimental value.
I should tell you that some of those old coins were minted more than 150 years ago. Many hands have touched them through the years and none are in mint condition.
Wisdom for the Ages
King Solomon, perhaps the wisest and wealthiest man to ever live, wrote about great riches in Ecclesiastes 5:10:
“Whoever has money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.”
Perhaps you can relate to his wisdom. Then again, perhaps you have not yet reached that point in your life journey!
Solomon goes on in the next verse to write, “As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?”
My take on this last verse is this: Storing up wealth for the future is futile and not pleasing to God.
He wants all mankind to be benevolent and generous with what He provides. He does not want us to be stingy and horde our wealth.
I for one am thankful for his wonderful provision. I’m most grateful for my family and the intimate relationship He allows me to have with Him. I am not wanting. His provision is sufficient.
I trust you as well will be satisfied with what He has graciously given to you. After all, He knows exactly how much we can handle.