Most people usually have at least one type of insurance – auto insurance.  Many individuals also have other types of insurance, like life, long-term healthcare, or property insurance.  Some persons even carry a comprehensive policy, commonly called an “umbrella policy.”  Realistically, one may purchase insurance to cover just about any type of property or circumstance. 

What type of insurance do you have?  Regardless of the policies that you may currently own, one type of insurance protects you from worshipping material wealth.  This policy encourages prudent financial giving.  Some people may have discovered this insurance; others are still searching for it. 

In Luke 16, Jesus shares with his disciples the story of the dishonest manager.  In this parable, the manager, who was employed by a wealthy man, faced the risk of sudden unemployment.  He had foolishly squandered the property that had been entrusted to him.  He desperately attempted to salvage his employment.  The manager sought new friendships by settling outstanding debt with the employer’s clients and by accepting an amount smaller than the balance.  Jesus concludes this parable by teaching that those dishonest with small matters are likely to be dishonest with greater ones.  Jesus further states that those who are dishonest with material wealth will not be faithful to God.  It is impossible to worship both money and God.

The true wealth offered by Jesus is the abundance of God’s grace.  Jesus reminds his disciples to be faithful stewards of resources that ultimately belong to God.  By focusing on God instead of money, one will be held forever by God.  Money does not have this eternal ability.  The themes in this parable are not limited to dishonesty, selfishness, and materialism.  Jesus extends the ways to use wealth for God’s purposes rather than for mere self-serving purposes.  Christians affirm the belief that people are stewards or managers of God’s gifts.  Giving protects one from being ruled by material wealth.  Giving is a freeing experience.  One is led by God in whom one places ultimate trust and faith.

God desires for us to live lives that are measured by our ability to give, not to get!  People often miss the most important relationship of all when they are trapped in the hyperconsumer culture of material wealth.  This most important relationship is the saving, grace-filled relationship of Jesus Christ.  It is a life of assurance! It is life insurance! 

So do you have insurance?  Are you regularly committed to giving your witness, prayers, presence, and financial gifts?  If you read the fine print in God’s policy, you will note that you are covered from here to eternity!