I was introduced to “Spiritual signs” in late 1995 and with that came a lot of excitement. It was like a whole new world had opened up to me, not unlike Neo in the movie “Matrix”. Suddenly I could see signs around every corner knowing that even around those corners, Our Heavenly Father created signs. I must admit I became intrigued with the signs to the point where they played an important role in my decisions. The result was disastrous. Over the next few years I was deceived by the signs because “signs will answer you according to the idols in your heart”. Yes, signs become idols.
A close friend known by many of the brethren had introduced me to the stock BBAN. Along with the introduction, many signs were given to indicate that this stock would be a “slam dunk” for profitability, a fabulous return on investment, the sky was the limit. The signs were everywhere thus I plunged into the stock expecting a blessing from Above. Instead of a blessing, I took a huge “haircut” on the deal. The details are below:
| IRA | Shares | Total | Avg Price | ||
| 4/20/2000 | 200 | $619.75 | 3.10 | ||
| 300 | $896.63 | 2.99 | |||
| Regular | |||||
| 3/20/2000 | 500 | $3,572.50 | 7.15 | ||
| 500 | $3,594.50 | 7.19 | |||
| Total bought | 1500 | $8,683.38 | 5.79 | ||
| Sold BBAN | |||||
| Regular | |||||
| 12/24/2003 | 1000 | $22.81 | 0.02 | ||
| 500 | $0.00 | 0.00 | |||
| Total | 1500 | $22.81 | 0.02 | ||
| Total Loss | ($8,660.57) |
Notice how I was stilling “listening” to the friend and the signs in April of 2000 thus I bought more stock. I failed to use my gifts and calling to discern whether this was an appropriate investment. Had I been more mature in my calling I doubt I would have taken the plunge. Did Our Heavenly Father orchestrate this situation to train me? Of course. Was it my friend’s fault I invested? That is between him and Our Heavenly Father. I must accept accountability for my own actions.
Later in 2004 the SEC brought charges against the head of the company for his “pump and dump” scheme:
http://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/34-50440-o.pdf
When I asked Our Heavenly Father about “signs”, HE said “All signs are of me but not all signs are relevant to you, I will let you know which are relevant signs.” Did I recover from the $8,660 loss? Yes, that was one of the many costs of education and training associated with my calling.
Each of us needs to focus on our individual callings and not allow our calling to be compromised by others’ words and/or actions no matter how good their intentions. Our callings will be tested to see where we stand. If we pass the test, we go on to the next level of maturity. It we fail, we get some further training at the current level.
Our callings produce something for the Kingdom. If it is money, we should distribute. If it is some other tangible calling, we should distribute. If it is intangible, we should distribute. Hoarding the fruits of your calling is an indication that you don’t understand how the dynamics of the Kingdom work. We are called to minister to others according to our calling, not consume others’ callings for our own self-preservation.
I shared this personal example to provide perspective. Most people only want to share the successes. I have had my share. However, examples like this caused my eyes to be opened to correction so that I could continue the maturing process. My desire is to help the brethren to come into full maturity with good fruit abounding to their account. If I want advice about cattle ranching, I don’t see the counsel of an auto mechanic. If I want tax advice, I don’t go to a plumber. When you get ready to take action based on the advice or perspective of another, make sure their calling and anointing is in the area of the advice or perspective. Just as Moses used artisans to build the various instruments of the Temple, we should identify callings before we put time or money in a deal. Unless you hear Our Heavenly Father, do nothing!
Caveat emptor! (Latin for "Let the buyer beware")