For years one of my sons worked on Wall Street. For years I listened very carefully to him. I was always hoping to glean just a tidbit of information that might alert my attention to a particular stock. I knew better than to ask. Insider traders go to jail. But I couldn’t resist hoping I could put two and two together for a hot tip. I never got it. He was always super careful and I was never able to glean an iota of investment information.
But I am still fascinated by the idea that insider information might be helpful. Being that I am a family member in God’s family, I listen carefully for insider information. Maybe I can glean a tidbit of information that might make gaining eternal life a bit easier. But, wait. How much easier can it be? Romans 8:23 says eternal life is a gift. The last time I checked the dictionary the word gift meant receiving something for free.
Now let me think about this. I am a family member. I have connections. Jesus is my Savior and Brother. If there was a shortcut available surely He would tell me. But how can there be a shortcut when something is already free? So I have to conclude my kinship with Jesus isn’t going to make the deal any sweeter. It’s already as sweet as it can get. And I can begin reaping the benefits right now. I Peter 1 says, “. . . you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” Note the present tense in that promise. I was about to say, “Sorry, I don’t have any inside information.” Instead I should be rejoicing that there is no insider information needed!
Written by Roger Bothwell on November 2, 2016
PO Box 124, St. Helena, Ca 94574
rogerbothwell.org