One of the things we will be reading and hearing
about in 2005 is Social Security. Perhaps it would
be better to call it Social Insecurity. Ever since the
Carter Administration (although the seeds of destruction
started earlier) there has been no money in
the so-called Social Security Trust Fund. In other
words, our government spent the money, put an
IOU in the account, and then has been paying
interest on the the IOU. No one needs to be an
actuary or math genius to realize that our government
now has several options, none of them good
for politicians. It can raise taxes (everyone loves
this option) or lower benefits (most won't like this
option) or do both. (Everyone will be mad) If you
are a member of the House of Representatives and
have to run for election every two years, which
option would you select? To do nothing will be an
even worse option! Nothing is what has been done.
(Which is why the trust fund is currently facing such
daunting shortfalls of funds to pay benefits)
Have you ever thought that your relationship with Jesus Christ might be like the options we're facing in Social Security? We all want to be well taken care of, or be secure. We don't want to trust God for the security, however. To take care of our own security, we can "raise taxes" (in other words pay more into savings and retirement for ourselves) or buy and consume a lot less than we now do, "lower benefits" or do both. Will exercising these options place our retirement account with God on a sound basis? What can we do today to make sure we're protected? Fire Insurance?
What did Jesus say? He that seeks to save his life,
shall lose it. To a farmer, "you fool, your soul is required
of you this night". Take up your cross and follow me. In
whom or what should we put our trust? Jesus has the
answer. Store up your treasure in heaven where moth and
rust doth not corrupt and thieves can't break through and
steal.
Where we will put our trust in 2005?