Insurance

Question: Some people maintain that Christians should not insure their lives, property, etc., because by so doing they are distrusting God and His providential care. What does the Bible teach regarding this?

The Bible teaches that there is NO conflict between trusting God and an intelligent and wise provision for the necessities of the future. For instance, we read in Proverbs 6:6-8: "Go to the ant, you sluggard!" Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest." Let's consider another biblical example. The apostle Paul had been imprisoned and was being taken on a ship to Rome by way of Crete. A great storm arose, and it looked as if everyone on the ship would be lost. But Paul prayed, and he received God's own assurance that both he and all those who were with him on the ship would be saved. He fully believed God that it would come out just as he had been told. Nevertheless, when the sailors tried to flee out of the ship, thus imperiling the vessel, Paul saw to it that they were not allowed to escape. (Acts 27:21-36). This was not an act of unbelief on Paul's part. He was simply cooperating with God in the fulfillment of His promise.

Now, as to whether it is an intelligent and wise provision for the future to insure one's life or to insure one's property, is another question that each one must decide prayerfully for himself. God promises wisdom to each one of us in the settling of such questions, if we look to Him for it and meet the conditions of answered prayer (James 1:5-8). But even if it proved to be an unwise expenditure of money to insure one's life or property, that still would NOT make it an act of distrust in God.

~R. A. Torrey~