The Best Hedge Against Inflation

Today there is one undeniable reality: inflation. Everyone has their opinion about the cause. Everyone has someone to blame – but inflation remains. Prices are skyrocketing, and politicians are scrambling to bring them down.

Many companies are seeking to sell products, services, or investment opportunities as a hedge against inflation. While there is much to be said about financial stewardship in the Bible, we must consider the greatest hedge against inflation: investing in eternity.

Matthew 6 records part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Christ addresses several issues, but He emphasizes the proper view of wealth. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” (Matthew 6:19-20). It is fascinating that Jesus is not condemning wealth, only the meaningless accumulation of things. So why is this? The answer is found in the next verse, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Your Treasure and Your Heart

Notice the order that Jesus uses. He did not say, “where your heart is, there will your treasure be also.” He taught that our heart will be where our treasure is being laid up. This is a key principle: You love most what you have given the most to. If you love and invest in the life of a child, your heart will be drawn toward that child. You will want to see that child succeed. If you invest in a company, you want that company to do well.

Our labor is intimately connected to our love. We serve who/what we love most. If we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength then we will desire to do His will. We will seek His own, not our own. Colossians 3:3-4 declares, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

Your Time and Eternity

So what does all of this have to do with inflation? One of the great harms of inflation is the decrease in the value of currency. Going to work does not feel as rewarding because the dollar does not go as far. Yet when we invest our lives, finances, time, energy, and love into eternity we are promised eternal rewards. Rewards that will never lose value because they are of eternal worth! As we labor for Christ, we know that our work will be rewarded by God Himself. Our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

How much greater it is to know the soul of a friend is secure in Christ than to hope that your stocks rise another three percent! Is there a “greater joy” than knowing that your children are walking in truth? Is there something more rewarding than seeing God use those you love and have poured yourself into? We must focus our energy upon the eternal. As the stock markets crumble, our account in heaven is secure.

None of this is to say we don’t need to be good stewards of what God has given us…far from it! However, the best stewards are obedient stewards. May we all be obedient in the way we choose to spend our lives. May we give of ourselves exactly as the Master desires. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things [the aforementioned needs] shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33).

The best hedge against the turbulent economy of the world is investing in the eternal riches of Heaven.