The Global recession has been with us for a while and in many countries, the effects are just beginning. No country has been spared from the developed, developing to the under developed. From America, Ireland, Greece, Spain to Nigeria. In Nigeria, being that we are a people of tough skins and survival tactics, it may not be as clear as in other countries but it is here with us. From the stock market crash to the bank busts and spiralling inflation in the marketplace, the recession is here.
However these two stories you are about to read illustrates the importance of THE ETERNAL LIFE that Jesus made possible for us. Often when eternal life is used, it evokes a peaceful existence in Heaven that is our ultimate goal but this is partially true. Yes, we will receive that life but Jesus spoke about the experience of that life NOW on earth.
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I come that they may have and enjoy life and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) John 10.10. Amplified Bible.
When this truth was revealed in a new perspective, I realised that the quality of life we have on this earth is of great importance to God. He didn’t save us to live in subjection to the influences of sin and the devil but to be a resilient, tenacious and overcoming people. (I John 4.4).His Glory is meant to be seen in our life experiences. He has ordained that our lives should be distinguishable from that of the world in every aspect. That is why Jesus said that although we live in the world, we are not of it. We are a people of DIFFERENCE!!(Isaiah 60.3)
In reading the heartbreaking stories of these two men I was struck by the experience of eternal life in one of them, Ian Thiermann. There was nothing in their stories to suggest any spiritual preferences so it is not a Christian versus a non Christian. But being made in the image and likeness of God, all people (regardless of their beliefs) often stumble into the experience without recognising that it is the God life in them. However, the beauty of being IN CHRIST is that we are conscious of that ETERNAL LIFE and are expected to live it daily.
Another truth revealed is that the place of our focus matters as it will ultimately affect the decisions we make. The scriptures put it this way
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” Mathew 6.21. Amplified Bible
In dealing with everyday issues and challenges, it is very important that the treasures from which we live are of the spiritual and not the physical. Riches will fly away (Proverbs 23.5) but ETERNAL LIFE is a treasure that is immeasurable, unmovable and unshakeable by the circumstances of life because it proceeds from OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. There is a difference between spiritual and physical treasures. Wisdom is one of such spiritual treasures.
“For wisdom is a defence as money is a defence but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. “ Ecclesiastes 7.12 NKJV
When the chips are down and when life has you in a very tight spot with your back against the wall (And it will come to us all in some form), money will ultimately fail and only wisdom will GET YOU OUT.
German Billionaire Adolf Merckle and American Ian Theirmann both got blindsided by the global meltdown that caused a lot of havoc especially in the financial system. Both of them lost a fortune in the stock market but the way they reacted to their misfortune is most enlightening.
72 year old Adolf Merckle committed suicide on January 5th 2009 by lying across a railway track and was crushed to death in his hometown in Blauberen, Germany. He lost a billion pounds in the financial crisis. He was the fifth richest man in Germany and 44 on the Forbes List. He had A net worth of 9.2 billion US dollars with an empire spanning over a 100 companies and ranging from generic drugs to cement. His family said he was broken by the losses he suffered on the stock market.
Across the Atlantic, Ian Theirmann,a 90 year old hands out fliers hawking avocados and pork ribs in the aisles of a grocery store in Ben Lomand, Carlifornia. He lost his entire life savings of 750,000 US dollars in the Bernard Madoff scam in 2009. He wasn’t even aware that his investment manager had placed funds with the convicted Bernard Madoff’s Investment Company. He had retired 25years ago devoting his time to non profit work. Because of the loss, he was forced back to work. When asked about his very pathetic situation, Theirmann explained “I now work as a beginner and I deeply appreciate it”. Truly remarkable!
Adolf Merckle is dead. Ian Theirmann is alive. One took a hit of a billion pounds but still had some billions left. The other lost his entire life savings. One is 72years while the other is 90 years. Both suffered economic losses of great proportions to their lifestyle regardless of the amount. But it was the outcome of their decisions that made the DIFFERENCE.
It is not rocket science to see that if there was any one who should have the disposition to suicide, it was Ian Theirmann. So the intriguing question is why is he alive and in great spirits in spite of his loss while billionaire Merckle is dead? The answer lies in the scriptures
“Don’t hoard treasures down here where it gets eaten by moth and corroded by rust or – worse – stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasures in heaven where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is is the place you will most want to be and end up being” Mathew 6.19-21. The Message Bible
The indomitable spirit and courage that Ian Theirmann had to restart his life again against all odds is the ESSENCE OF ETERNAL LIFE. The quality of life that overcomes ALL. He lost more yet he persisted and resisted the temptation to quit on life. Sadly, Adolf Merckle’s heart was too involved in the consequences of the crash on his earthly treasures and lost the will to fight back. Suicide is a very terrible way to end one’s life. It may not be physical but daily many Christians are making suicidal decisions – spiritually, financially, relationally etc. It does not have to be so when an ETERNAL LIFE EXPERIENCE is available IN CHRIST.
So when next life’s challenges come calling, let the story of Ian Theirmann inspire you not to commit suicidal decisions. CHOOSE ETERNAL LIFE!
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