Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The United Nations Human Development report in 1994 outlined the seven pillars of “Human Securities” as economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community and political securities. The securities that we look for become the treasure that we crave for. In other words, “treasures” represent what we value the most for now and for the future. There is a wrong notion that these securities give us stability, serenity, sustainability and a sense of safety to face the future.
‘Economic Security’ stands on top of the seven pillars of security that people desire. Economic stability gives the ability to meet our needs consistently to protect our dignity and self-worth. However, all that financial freedom through investment in stocks, shares and savings offer is only temporary security about our uncertain destiny. As much as economic stability is important, when financial surety is the foundation of our peace and joy, then our security is in the wrong place. A slight instabilities or threat to financial security will shudder and shatter our hearts with fear and dread.
Jesus gave us a parable of a rich man who fastened his security on his wealth. This man had a bountiful harvest, So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods (Luke 12:18). Jesus called him a fool!
A threat to our job, challenges in our business, increasing inflation or rocketing bank interest rates would be the true test of the treasure of our heart. If financial instability steals our joy, our heart is anchored in the wrong security. If the problem or the prognosis causes panic, then our security is in the wrong place.
“Insecurity is security in the wrong place”.
Seven Pillars of Securities:
1. Stability: It is not wrong to save and be thrifty, but it is wrong to pitch our peace on financial stability. The rich man said to himself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” (Luke 12:19). Those who put their security in their barn or their bank balance will break down when the wealth burns out.
2. Sustainability: Financial planning, saving and sustainability are crucial as God expects us to be good stewards but if the economic sustainability of our status and spending engrosses our mind 24/7, then our security is in the wrong place.
3. Serenity: Economic security can never give us lasting serenity. Those who have their security on their assets and affluence will live in constant fear of losing it.
Financial stability is important but financial security will incarcerate us in insecurity and constant fear. Jesus is the only stable pillar of security.
Luke 12:20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, everything I have is from you; my wealth, health and networth. Remove any wrong securities that will implode as insecurity. Amen.
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