One hundred years ago, thousands of gold-seekers participated in the Klondike Gold Rush. (See "Show Us The Gold!") What was it that caused so many people to risk everything they had, including their lives, for the prospect of finding gold? Without doubt it is the same thing that motivates people today to take investment, gambling or other risks that can result in the loss of not only their return but also the principal itself.

According to the Bible, the "love of money" leads to evil and sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10). Because the natural heart of man is "deceitful above all things, and desperately [incurably] wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9), man of every century falls prey to the desires of his heart for wealth and security apart from God. Some are also sadly deceived by the so-called "prosperity gospel" with its false promises of material riches when one comes to Christ.

What is your "investment personality" or risk tolerance as it is called in some financial circles today? Any investor must consider two factors: risk and return. The higher the risk, the greater the possible return. Investors in the stock markets of the world are experiencing the wild roller-coaster rides each day that exemplify the uncertainty of earthly riches.

The Christian would do well to fashion his investment portfolio after the financial advice of the Lord Jesus Christ: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth … But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). His is the only financial institution in the world that can guarantee the highest rate of return at absolutely no risk whatever. May the Lord help us as His people to see the wisdom of laying up treasures in heaven, and realizing yields that are spiritual and eternal.

There is another risk that many people are taking with something much more valuable than their possessions. The soul of man is of such worth that it cannot be compared to gaining the whole world (Mark 8:36,37). To redeem one's soul to God is such a costly endeavor that all the abundance of riches one might possess would be insufficient (Psalm 49:6-8). How we thank God that He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to die for you, for me, and for all men. Thus, though we cannot be "redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold," the "precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18,19) shed on Calvary's cross is able to make the repentant sinner fit for the very presence of God.

Consider the risk, and invest your soul, life and possessions in the securest place with the highest return.