August 28, 2008

Golden Handcuffs

 Years ago I had a friend who worked for the bank, he used a term called "golden handcuffs". The bank would provide favorable interest rates and generous terms on loans and mortgages to their employees. Often times 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 fully due and payable the moment you left the bank. That 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.

Like so many other he fell into the trap and it took years to extricate himself. The glittering "golden" things of this world can be so attractive and so destructive.

As I watched the business news on television the other evening I was struck by two terms, stocks and bonds. Now, stocks of course refers to shares in a company and bonds are an instrument which enable corporations or governments to borrow money. Both are important to the corporate world.

Yet, in thinking of golden handcuffs, the terms stocks and bonds took on new meaning. Stocks are the wooden frame criminals were stuck in to be subject to public ridicule. Bonds are things that tie you up.

Now don't misunderstand, I'm not against investing in stocks or bonds, nor am I against any form of prudent financial planning. However, too much emphasis on the material things of this world ensnares us and takes our focus away from God.

We chase wealth and "security" neither of which satisfies and both are transitory. Christians are no different than the world in that regard, yet Scripture tells us that we should be very different.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV

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.

Make your investments wisely, what seems so natural could be detrimental to you spiritually!

Be blessed.

Darrel Mason

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