*How servants are still burying their one talent
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Chuks Udo Okonta
The parable in the Bible as captured by the book of Matthew 25:14-30, perfectly described how people relate with insurance today.
In this article, I will use the various verses to relate to how people understand and transact with insurance.
Verse 14 says: For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
This verse shows that God has given every individual life and assets to hold and keep.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
This verse reveals that different levels of assets were given based on individual’s abilities.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
This verse shows exactly what plays out today in the society, where the rich believe in insurance to secure their lives, protect and increase their assets.
They leverage insurance as an investment channel to grow their assets. They are not careless, feeling since they have more, there is no need to secure them.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
People in this category also believe in the power of growth and prosperity through insurance.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
This is where many individuals, especially the poor belonged. Instead of insuring that one asset they have which could be lost outrightly when risk occurs, they leave the asset uninsured, feeling insurance is unnecessary and continue to make excuses.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
This verse shows that there is always a period of accountability. This is when efforts are evaluated.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
The rich people who understand and undertake insurance to protect their lives and assets would also continue to prosper.
In Nigeria and across the globe, the rich make a great future through reliance on insurance, which helps them to remain healthy and keep their businesses going amid risks.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
The rich will continue to be blessed.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
Though these people don’t have as many as their colleagues, they protect the little they have.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
For taking steps to protect what they have, they are rewarded.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
This group of people see insurance as a scam, leaving their lives and assets uninsured and going around with the fake news that insurers don’t pay claims. Instead of insuring their talent – asset, they bury them, leaving them uninsured.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
This is the true situation of life. Those who consider insurance as a scam and fail to insure, will continue to suffer losses. The little they have is lost, without any form of indemnity.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
This principle is what is keeping the rich who understand the concept of investment.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The poor who think he does not need insurance would continue to weep and gnash his teeth, whenever he loses that valuable asset.
Don’t bury your assets, be wise, use insurance to secure and grow whatever you have no matter how small.
