Is it right to carry insurance or is it lack of faith?

[ddc101]

I was given a tract from some mennionites.It was about insurance of all things.They feel to carry insurance is to not
have faith in God.What do you think? Personally I feel that insurance can be expensive and also it can keep you from going bankrupt which is not a good witness either.My mom had cancer and my dad's share after insurance was enough to eat up his savings.lv sis.c

[Bro.Steingass]

Planning for a solid, secure future is different than padding your pockets against any little bump. In Ohio, it is the law to carry car insurance, if you don't, you lose your license.

My Pastor had a Kidney transplant last year. If he didn't have insurance, he would have owed over one million dollars.

Yes insurance is usually a scam. Most people pay for years and never reap any benefits. The Insurance companies get greedier every year, because if people actually use their service, stake calims, then their fat bottom line is skinned a little.

[Thelordisone]

"Neither flesh nor blood revealed this to you but my father who is in heaven":)

I live in CA so it is required. But my present thought is getting the basic liability to fulfill the law then letting the rest in the Lord hands. One reason is financial. Since God blessed us with a home 4 yrs ago the insurance folks say well if you hit someone you should at least have what your assets are at. So in case of a lawsuit it can cover it. But on the other hand you can end up paying so much thru insurance its not funny.

God Bless!!

[tufluv]

Insurance costs we have little control over, nor the laws of this land in which we currently live, that mandate we MUST have insurance for cars, home. Now as for life insurance, thats optional. Health insurance likewise.

Its a good idea in the event of major illnesses TO HAVE health insurance, but there are also other options to pay for these situations, as in income-based clinics, or gov't programs designed to help those that are either indigent or low income, (Medicaid, etc.), I know that for many years, I was a regular clinic out-patient, and even in-patient for my last child. I may be going back to using the clinic soon.
I know many people frown upon this, as they do to the use of food stamps.
I used to think that if I had health insurance, the quality of care would be better, its NOT!!! I've seen both sides now.

Life insurance does help pay for the astronomical expenses, unless one has a lot of money saved up for it, or have pre-paid funeral expense packages, like my parents, that IS not a bad idea, either.

Like it or not, whether we have the faith that moves mountains ( I DO) or not, bills are a fact of life, and we need all the help we can get to pay them. GOD does make a way where there might be no way, at least for us 'saints'! HE will not leave us nor forsake us! :bow:

[O2blikehim]

I know many mennonites that have cars. I think a minimum of insurance coverage is required in most if not all states. There is an exclusion or exemption called "self insurance". You can qualify as self insured if you are very rich and have some funds set aside, or if you can show membership in an organization (does not need to be religious) that has a proven record of paying claims made agaist you.

Most Mennonites operate as do the Amish, that is through a mutual aid program within the church body. I have been present when it was announced to the congregation that a half million dollars will be collected for hospital bills. The Deacons would appoint two church members to visit each members home and collect a freewill offering for the cause. They would do this several times a year for natural disasters, illness, etc. They have an excellent track record and are recognized by the state, and federal government.

Something like 60% of insurance monies go for overhead/administration fees, and for the profit of the insurance companies. It is easy to see how mutaul aid is the way to go if you can get or have such a system in place.

Stephen

[Bro.Steingass]

The amish do the same, however, when they come here for Medical tratment (this is a large amish community, mennonite too) They ALWAYS pay cash, up front.

[O2blikehim]

They are encouraged to take care of any and all medical bills themselves if at all possible if they do need assistance then they may request it through the Deacons.

They have discovered that by paying cash they will often qualify for huge discounts. If the bill is substancial then they can still yet take those reciepts and be reimbursed by the church. Also the church may have fronted some money in order to obtain a better rate for a given procedure.

Stephen

[servant]

There's a difference between faith and foolishness.

Serv :)

[stmatthew]

This is one of those controversial issues that can cause folks to have strong feelings about.

I have no problem with Insurance, be it house, car, medical, or life. I do feel that medical insurance has made it easier to trust in the arm of flesh, than to trust God for healing. Yet there are things like check ups, baby care, dental care, and such that are just good plain common sense maintenance.

I will always believe that healing is the childrens bread, and it is Gods best that the sick and diseased be healed thru the body of Christ.

JMHO

[Hnovilla]

His Name is Jesus!

"...HEALING IS THE CHILDRENS' BREAD..." I just have to say amen to that.

Brother villa

[pastorb]

There is one very basic scripture that covers this. A prudent man forsees the evil afar off and hides himself, but it's the fool that sees the evil coming and rushes head on and is punished.

I can't understand for the life of me why pastors aren't teaching these basic principles. Budgeting, how to buy a car or house, how to prepare for your childrens future (what inheritance are you leaving them?), how to pick life insurance (term or otherwise).

If I die today God forbid, My wife won't have to run and find some anything to take care of her. She will be able to bury me with no burden on her financially, all bills will be paid and she and my children will be taken care of.

We can not live life with blinders on saying oh i'm saved so I'm ok.

We must prepare until Christ comes. To many dead beat dads in the church still with the family sapping the resources of the family and the church rather than learning how to be a contributor to the body both naturally and physically.

[foreverblessed]

I sure was glad I was well insured the night smoke started rolling out of my house. I don't even want to think about what would have happened if I hadn't been insured.

I think I agree with Servant!

[Sandy]

I also agree with Servant too. Even though PTL, I had major surgery and it is totally paid for today about 6 years later miraculously, not having any insurance then.

But then I can also remember when I didn't agree with Servant too. And insurance salesman would visit and we would tell them our insurance was with Jesus Christ Mutual, so we didn't need any.

[Goodshepherd]

I agree serve............. there is a different between faith and foolishness. I had the same thought instantly, the moment I read this thread.

[Hebrews116]

I have to agree with PastorB.

We don't know what "LIFE" is going to "RAIN" on us, for the RAIN falls on the just and the unjust. Therefore, we PLAN as if the Lord's not coming for a long time; but at the same time, we work for Him as if He's coming back today.

Keep in mind the Apostles thought the Jesus was coming back in their day, and they all died. It is possible that we may all too go the way of the grave.

Therefore, I believe in insurance. Car insurance in case LIFE RAINS on you and either someone hits you, or you hit someone else;

Home Owner's insurancs in case LIFE RAINS on you and brings a fire to your home;

Life insurance in case you do go by the way of the grave, there is nothing wrong with providing an estate to pay for your funeral arrangements, paying off all your debt, and generating an income for your spouse with the remaining invested at 10% for her to live off the interest.

PastorB, I commend you for your planning in the event life rains on your parade.

[committed]

I agree w/ Servant and PastorB.....definitely.....about 6.5 years ago a dear friend was killed on a rainy night, 1 week before Thanksgiving......he was only 48 years old. Up until 2 weeks before his death he had no insurance...and for what ever reason he got burial and life insurance. Let me tell you that took care of his wife for long enough for her to be able to take care of herself and she has a small nestegg to lean on if ever needed. No one knows what tomorrow may bring.....Through my husband and my job we both have good health insurance.....you better believe I am glad! In the last 6 months we have both had emergency surgery that almost took my husband's life and I wasn't much better. In this day and age we need to be protected. God gave man the smarts to be a doctor, and he also provided us with system to protect ourselves. It still all boils down to His keeping power.....I would be a fool to think I could do it without Him!

[mfblume]

It is RIGHT to get life insurance!!!! God knows its right. Imagine the poor widow whose husband did not provide life insurance for her. Many a widow has been made bitter as a result.

[ddc101]

Hi Friends,
I for one think that everyone ought to have burial insurance and have it prearranged so the person or persons left behind do not have to sit their in grief and try to work out financial things.
Then there is the providing for the widow and or orphans after death.This pleases God.lv sis.c