In For the Long Haul

(This reading is based on Psalm 84 and is read in accordance with the Revived by His Word initiative of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists)

"For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand." Psalm 84: 10

Speculators and Investors

One of the admonitions that experienced investors, like the Warren Buffets of the world, will give us is that we have to be patient; you must be prepared to invest for a long time before you start pulling in the earnings. This is not to say that investors won't ever make a great deal of money in a short period. But real investors are prepared to wait; they don't jump at every "good deal," nor do they run every time financial challenges begin to gather on the horizon. They know they'll win some and lose some in the short term, but in the long run, they usually win more. Investors by nature take only calculated risks, and always cover their investments; they don't invest in industries that they have no knowledge of - they are always informed.

Speculators, on the other hand, are impatient by nature. They are very erratic and highly unstable; always want to make a quick buck. They make easy targets for the Maidoffs and Standfords of the world, who usually promise more than they can deliver in a sustained way. Speculators take big uncalculated risks, and are often exposed to major losses. They usually go for the highest returns - even though they have too little information to make a rational decision.

                  

Who are You?

The child of God who appreciates God's courts/house/presence is like the investor who, although assailed with challenges is not apt to run - because the initial decision to invest in God, was an informed one. This individual KNOWS that "God is, and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Heb. 11: 6. They know how to wait between temporary periods of loss, because in the long run their investments, in God, will pay off.

The spiritual speculator, on the other hand, is one who is easily discouraged, and who is also apt to be "tossed by every wind of doctrine." Eph 4: 14. They go for the sensational; what appears exciting. If it feels good, then it is good. These are double minded individuals whom James describes as "unstable" (James 1: 8). These make easy targets for the Satan's Ponzi schemes.

The sons of Korah have obviously done the math. They have evaluated the market conditions and concur that although there are challenges in life, "a day in (God's) courts is better than a thousand" out of God's presence. What are you inclined to think? Are you dazzled by the 1000 carrots Satan dangles in front of your eyes, or will you be satisfied with just the one God offers? Are you an investor, or a speculator?

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