A Misplaced Trust: An Unfortunate Illusion

I remember the collapse of a prominent government Mutual Fund savings plan several years ago. Throughout the country, there was outrage and protest against the government. As journalists interviewed the protesters, they vented their frustrations and complaints.

One person said, “All my savings was put into this plan hoping for a good future.” others said, “Since this is a government plan, I thought it would be reliable and safe.” The loss was too much for so many. Their trust was firm, but unfortunately it turned out to be an unfortunate illusion.

For the people who experienced this disaster, the severity of their loss was too much. But there are a few things to learn from this. First, This disaster is a great example of a government run and government regulated disaster. I guess when the government regulates itself, you cannot expect much more.

Second, we see a host of people who invested in only one savings plan. But at that time, there were no other options to invest in mutual funds, so those interested were limited to just one method.

Third, we learn a lesson on trust. Job said “If I have made gold my trust or called fine gold my confidence, if I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant or because my hand had found much, if I have looked at the sun when it shone, or the moon moving in splendor, and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my mouth has kissed my hand, this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I would have been false to God above” (Job 31:24-28).

Precious things, wealth, work, and nature are all mentioned in the above passage as pulling for our hearts. But placing undue trust in any of these would be mistrust of God above. God and him alone is to be trusted without limit.

But the struggle is obvious as our hearts are pulled in all directions by those things which are popular. Our society values each of these as worthy of trust and exemplary. Now, as we look back on our lives, each one of those “popular” trusts have failed us.

Those investors were genuine in their intentions. They wanted the best for their families and for their future. But their trust was directed in the wrong place. God alone is worthy of all our trust.

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