THE ONE GUARANTEED INVESTMENT

IWAS 28 YEARS OLD when I stumbled upon the only fully guaranteed investment that exists.

I started attending a weekly breakfast with several young businessmen and was impressed because they were astute and energetic. But more than that, I was attracted to the quality of their lives. At the time I was part owner of a successful restaurant. I was married to my wonderful wife, Bev, and lived in a comfortable home. I had everything I thought would give me happiness and a sense of accomplishment, but I had neither. Something was missing. I was surprised to hear these men speak openly of their faith in God.

I had attended church regularly when I was growing up. However, I never heard that it was possible to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A friend described how I could enter into this relationship with the Lord. He shared several biblical truths that I previously had not understood. God loves you and wants you to know Him. God created people in His own image, and He desires an intimate relationship with each of us.

My friend directed my attention to two passages: “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “I [Jesus] came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10). When my son, Matthew, was in the first grade, he developed a burning desire to win the 100-yard dash at his school’s field day.

That was all we heard about for two months. But there was a problem: his classmate Bobby Dike was faster than Matthew. Field day finally arrived. They ran the 50-yard dash first, and Bobby easily beat Matthew. I will never forget when Matthew came up to me with tears in his eyes, pleading, “Daddy, please pray for me in the 100-yard dash. I’ve just got to win.”

My heart sank as I nodded. With the sound of the gun, Matthew got off to a quick start. Halfway through the race he pulled away from the rest of his classmates and won. I lost control of myself! I was jumping and shouting. I had never before experienced such exhilaration. Then it occurred to me how much I loved my son. Although I love other people, I do not love them enough to give my son to die for them. But that is how much God the Father loved you.