Hugh's News & Commentary

The other day I was in the waiting room of an attorney's office in Athens, GA. I went there to help another person in need. I found a magazine called Southern Plantation. I scanned the table of contents and found an article that was of great interest to me. The title of the article was "Navigating Your Way." The writer gave some excellent tips about making wise choices in the investment world.

Jesus was very much interested in money and investments. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, Jesus tells the story of the talents. He was describing the kingdom of heaven and compared it to a wealthy man who was preparing to travel into a far country, and called his servants, and gave them his goods. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one one, to every man according to his several ability, and immediately left on his journey. You know the story well. There came a time when the man who had invested his money came home and called these men in to give an accounting of the use of their talents. Two of the men doubled their talents, but one hid his talent in the ground. The wealthy land owner honored the two men who gained other talents. He said, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matt 25:21, KJV).

The owner was harsh with the man who buried his talent. He said he was a wicked and slothful servant. He said, "Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents" (Matt 25:28, KJV).

Getting back to the article I read. Edward Jones was the writer. He told about Amelia Earhart, and that July 24 was Amelia Earhart Day. It was her birthday of probably the most famous female aviator in history. Her life ended tragically when she became lost in the Pacific Ocean in 1937 on her voyage around the world. She is still remembered and celebrated for her bravery and pioneer spirit.

Edward Jones wrote that we can learn a great deal from Earhart's career as a pilot.

He said we should plan ahead. Miss Earhart apparently had poor planning. That was the report of noted aviation experts. It was pointed out that on many previous flights she followed detailed flight plans with success. To be successful in the invesatment world we must identify our destination and prepare a map to reach our goal.

Then, we must use the right "tools." It was thought that Earhart did not fully understand how to use her plane's direction-finding loop antenna, which was a new technology at that time in history. The point that Jones wanted to make is that you should know exactly what you are investing in and why you have chosen those specific investments. It is vitally important that you know the broker or the person who is managing the investment. Is he reliable and trustworthy. What is his track record?

Then, follow your vision. The day that Earhart disappeared, she and her navigator, Fred Noonan, were scheduled to land on Howland Island. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy day, and it is thought that the cloud cover cast shadows on the ocean surface, and may have camouflaged Howland and confused the aviators.

As investors we must have a clear view of what we want to accomplish in the long haul. We need to avoid short term events that may adversely effect the economy.

Last, place sufficient "power" in your portfolio. Many aviation scholars and researches believe that Earhart's plan simple ran out of gas before she could reach Howland Island. The question that Jones asked was, "Does your portfolio have sufficient 'fuel' to help you go the distance. Have you the right mix to provide for your retirement? If you are not sure you may want to work with a professional financial advisor to get the assistance you need."

No doubt you and I will never attempt to circumnavigate the globe in a small plane. However, Edward Jones wrote that we can "emulate the best features of Amelia Earhart--such as courage, perseverance and faith in the future--while taking steps to help focus on what you can control, your investment journey may be rewarding."

With all of our investments, small or large, let us not forget to invest in the Kingdom of God and in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Tithing our income is a good starting point, but we need to understand that the offerings above the tithe will determine the wealth in our pocketbooks. One cannot out give God, but we must use wisdom and spiritual understanding in our giving. Give to what God is blessing and you will receive a great return. I have found it so in my own life.

Let us revisit the teaching of the Apostle Paul about giving:

2 Corinthians 9:6-9

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
NIV

May God bless you in your giving and receiving.