Buying Insurance

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

A point was made in Bible study Sunday that started me thinking. The question was why some people put off becoming a Christian even when they know it is what they need to do. The response was that people treat Christianity as a life insurance policy. They see it as something they need before they die and many put off the purchase until the last minute, with the result that most end up waiting too long. They die without it.

The problem is that the only value being placed on Christianity is for life after death. The value of being a Christian in this life is completely missed. "So He said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life'" (Luke 18:29-30).

You gave up a lot just to smoke pot -- not just your relationship with your brother, mother, and your family at church, but you've tossed out beautiful potentials for your future. Some might be retrievable, but the longer you stay chained down in drugs the fewer joys you'll leave yourself in life.

I want the best for you. I want to walk arm-in-arm with you in heaven. But I also want to rejoice to hear about the good you are doing for other people, to beam at your wedding, and to giggle with your children, knowing that their parents will give them a wonderful, secure life. Remember the joy and come home soon.