The Provident Corporation

There are times in life when we experience set-backs.

Maybe the setbacks have occured due to a loss of a job, a bad investment, divorce, fire or even death of a family member.

Many have also had life changes due to substance abuse and domestic violence. Many people have legitimate needs.

There are many in our society that have an abundance of resources and are able to help those with needs.  Our country has vast resources, but our focus must extend past ourselves.

Do you have a need, or do you have the resources to meet a need?

The Bible tells us in chapter 25 of the book of Matthew,  about true "Investing". As we invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement, etc,  here on earth, Jesus tells us about investing that reaps tremendous dividends spiritually. He tells us of a man who was going on an extended trip, so he gathered all of his workers and gave out responsibilities.

The story goes on to tell us that the man eventually returns from his trip to find that some of his workers used their resources wisely and some invested very poorly. The man who is to return is Jesus.  Jesus said, " When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matt 25:31-41NIV)