Thursday, December 15, 2011

Asset Protection

According to recent statistics, annual inflation has averaged north of 2.7% over the past 10 years in the United States. Consequently, the cost for most common purchases has increased. In light of this increase, it would seem foolish for an individual to exercise negligence pertaining to insurance coverage, especially when it comes to a home or a vehicle. In fact, a prerequisite in most states is that adequate insurance be obtained prior to purchasing these items. Absence of this compensating measure could be detrimental, leaving the owner vulnerable to a complete loss, given an accident or natural disaster. Regrettably, there’s a large demographic of folks that view insurance as a complete waste -- until it’s needed -- that is. I too, once belonged to this category.

About 4 years ago, I awoke to what I thought would be a “normal” day, which would include a “normal” trip to my campus (I was a college student at the time) filled with rigorous study. After completing my “normal” morning routine, I prepared for departure. As I approached my cherry-red Honda Accord, I was alarmed as the sound of broken glass crunched under my feet like crackers. Instantly, I knew that something was wrong. I circled around the rear of the vehicle to find that an intruder had shattered the driver-side window, stolen the CD player as well as the laptop computer that I assumed was “secure” in the trunk. Following a brief period of moping, I came to my senses. I realized that although this was an inconvenient intrusion of my property – I possessed something that had previously seemed pointless – insurance! At the peak of my revelation, I whipped out my cell phone and made some calls to file some claims. Ironically, a few weeks later, I received a check from my insurance provider that afforded me to not only replace that which was lost, but to purchase new and improved items.  

From some reason, it took an "experience" for me to realize the value of the assets and the insurance to protect them. Needless to say,  in retrospect, this negative "experience" worked in my favor because of the insurance in place to cover the loss of these assets. 

As Genesis 2:7 so clearly describes, man was the only thing created by God, where life was initiated by the infusion of God's breath as opposed to His word. This action alone was a monumental display of man’s value in the heart of God. To truly understand this value, it is vital for the “creation" to understand its self-worth. Self-worth begins with the “creation,” (man) gaining an accurate understanding of who the “Creator” (God) is. A review of Genesis 1 reveals that God created ALL things that have existence. Because we were created by Him, and He breathed into us, we have a measure of the same creative ability that was used to create ALL things. This factoid implies that we even have the ability to create things which we so reluctantly learn to insure! Psalm 139:14 further substantiates our worth, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” If it wasn't known before, we, the creation, are valuable in God’s sight.

After the fall of man, a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Gen. 3), it became necessary for the creation, which had originally belonged to the Creator, to be repossessed from the evil one – Satan.  Man’s fall literally provoked an eye-opening experience that provided an unwarranted insight of darkness and presented a heightened vulnerability to sin.

Pressing the fast-forward button through years of history, out of the Israelite tribe of Judah, was born a "destitute" man named Jesus (Matt. 1). Born under so-called meager conditions, His life would prove to be one of gallantry. Purposed to reconcile us from our sinful nature, The Messiah attacked this mission with strict obedience and intensity. At the prime of His life (33 years of age) Jesus Christ, the Son of God, fulfilled His divine purpose when He died for ALL of mankind, for the remission of our sins. He died that we might have access to an abundant life. He died that we might have access to an eternal life. But, ultimately, by the shedding of His blood, He died that we'd be bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20). The invaluable blood of our Savior, the blood that NEVER loses its power, WAS AND WILL ALWAYS be sufficient enough for God to re-gain an asset, one that was supposed to belong to Him from the beginning. Now, through fervent, effectual BELIEF in God’s word, a word that encompasses this message of Christ, we have access to a blessed assurance, an assurance that is our HEAVENLY INSURANCE.

So today, don’t find yourself in a demographic of folks that view "insurance" as being a waste.  Don't wait for an "event" to occur for you to realize your "value," or the "insurance" that has already been established. If you can read this post, that means your breathing, that means you still have time to "claim" what's already yours (God's insurance/assurance).  Realize, you are a valuable asset with divine purpose and divine destiny. And, His blood is the only “asset protection” that will suffice!

5 comments:

  1. Today's post is ironically relevant, in that the passenger side window of my car was shattered a few weeks ago and my laptop bag and purse were both stolen. I have always had insurance, so I wasn't worried about the claim, but rather worried about all of my personal information being exposed. I continued to pray and ask God what the lesson of this event was supposed to be...I wasn't upset with God and didn't become angry with the world, I just asked for the reason, because I know He does everything for a reason - even if we are hurt by it. But to God be the glory - my purse was found two days later in a trash compactor with everything in it except the cash. I've learned my lesson to be more cautious and smart about protecting myself and what's important to me.

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  2. This blog is very encouraging. It helps me to think about how God's grace has covered us even when we didn't know it or didn't want to receive it. God's love is so wonderful.

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  3. Awesome read brother! Your parallel of material insurance and the insurance/assurance that we have through the blood of Jesus was insightful and a great explanation of the necessity and power of the blood of Jesus! I look forward to more! :)

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  4. Thank you for your encouraging words and insight. During this Christmas season we all need to be reminded that we can be fearless with God's blessed assurance/insurance. As I reflect on your blog, it reminds me that God has given us a book with all his promises which are obtainable for everyone. There's only one condition, to believe in him. We do not have to merely survive during this time of inflation; we can supersede all human expectations with Christ. Continue to share God’s Word with others.
    Love you,
    Mom

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