TARIFFS and TREASURES

The word for the week is Tariffs. President Trump’s Tariffs have dominated this news cycle.

A tariff is a tax levied by the government on imported goods.

Treasure refers to someone or something of great worth or value.

We all have treasures of some value. We all are affected by tariffs at some level.

My Winsday Wisdom thought is IF YOUR TREASURE IS AFFECTED BY THESE TARIFFS, YOU HAVE THE WRONG TREASURE.

NOTE: The information in this Winsday Wisdom should not be considered personalized financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. Watch FOX NEWS or CNN for your favorite political opinions. I personally recommend God’s #1 Textbook for both.

Tariffs can help domestic industries and generate government revenue, but they can also create conflicts with other countries which respond with retaliatory tariffs, trade wars, and global market disruptions.

Wall Street’s reaction has been mostly Shock and Awe. This impacts individual investors, family businesses, and global companies, and could lead to higher prices for consumers.

My goal is not to explain, debate, or provide political commentary on the subject. Most of you have an opinion and many of you are experiencing financial consequences, some good, some devastating.

Markets and portfolio values have plummeted while fears have risen. Some people have had their retirement funds rattled. Others of you might possess the economic savvy and nerves of steel to sell high and buy low to increase your portfolios.

I will just summarily describe the financial emotions in this unstable world as nervous.

One benefit of these difficult times is the chance to redirect our focus from temporary things to treasures which last forever.

IF YOUR TREASURE IS AFFECTED BY THESE TARIFFS, YOU HAVE THE WRONG TREASURE.

Every human heart worships something. Every one of us clings to some treasure when times get shaky. We do not want to risk or lose what we value most.

Jesus warned us to anchor our hearts to what lasts forever.

“Do not store up treasures on earth that will fade, erode, or be stolen. Store your treasures in heaven where they are safe and will never lose their value” (Matthew 6:19-20).

REAL TREASURE DOES NOT CRASH OR LOSE VALUE. TARIFFS CANNOT TOUCH IT OR AFFECT ITS VALUE.

Every heart longs to link itself to everlasting treasure.

Tim Keller wrote what others have preached. “If you love anything more than God, even though you may think you are in control of your life, that thing will eventually control you.”

Are increasing tariffs or depreciating treasures controlling your life these days?

Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Where is your treasure today?

“Anything you love more than Jesus will either break your heart or become your master” (Jackie Hill Perry).

Please read that again and think about your life.

“Put Jesus first in your heart, and everything else will fall into its proper place. So do not be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Matthew 6:33-34).

Don’t stress about losses or missing opportunities. Instead, focus on God’s generosity—both to you and through you. Your needs will be met, and you’ll have plenty to share.

“When we treasure Christ, we become better stewards of everything else” (Scott Sauls).

Please read that again and make plans to better your stewardship of all your blessings, including your financial responsibilities.

Side note:

1. Isn’t it wonderful that God’s blessings come without tariffs?
2. Isn’t it incredible that God gives away His treasure to us for free?

JESUS IS THE ONE TRUE TREASURE THAT WILL NEVER FADE AND NEVER FAIL.

Listen to God’s #1 Textbook:

EVEN THOUGH the fig trees are all destroyed, and there are no blossoms left, nor any fruit remains; EVEN THOUGH the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; EVEN IF the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, YET I WILL BE HAPPY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION.

The Lord God is my strength; He will get me through this time safely and securely (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

Then the #1 Textbook encourages you to sing those treasure song lyrics with a backup choir and full orchestration. Even though…Even though…Even if…I will be happy because my treasure is safe and secure.

IF YOUR TREASURE IS AFFECTED BY THESE TARIFFS, YOU HAVE THE WRONG TREASURE.

IS IT TIME TO REFOCUS?

EYES UP! LOVE YOU!