When each of our grandsons turns 16, Janet and I gift them a small stock trading account and start them off with a little money to learn about the stock market. We provide oversight but, by and large, the trading decisions are theirs, perhaps with a little input from our family financial advisors. We felt strongly that we should give each of them a firm foundation in how the markets work and how the attitudes and habits they develop now can serve them well for the rest of their lives.
So far, three of our four grandsons have accounts established for them and we have added a small amount to each of them on their respective 18th birthdays as well. It’s interesting to note how each of them has reacted as we have opened their accounts. All have been exuberant at the time, but one in particular, our second grandson, Carter, has become more entrenched and active in the markets than the others. It’s exciting to see him learn and to see his reaction when things go his way. He has an insatiable quest to learn and grow in his knowledge over the long haul. Continuous improvement!
About a week ago, I mentioned a rather small company that I had an interest. Janet and I finally decided to pass on the opportunity. But our advisors mentioned the play to Carter earlier today and, as is his style, he jumped right in – having had a good year so far. He was so excited! I received a call from him and he could hardly contain himself over the purchase that he had made. In fact, I couldn’t help but recall when Dad started me in the market when I was a young teenager. I actually remember the stocks I bought and the prices that I paid when I got started! I checked the newspaper every day to see the market prices and never lost that initial rush that I had when I bought my first shares. I always watched the stock ticker to see what was happening during the day. The joy of success and the agony of loss. Carter reminds me of me…
In fact, in an act of solidarity with Carter, I called Janet and let her know that I wanted to get into the market with him. She didn’t want to be left out – so she committed to a purchase as well! I called our broker and initiated the trade. Tonight, all three of us have a position in this small company. We are walking with Carter.
As I was thinking about my post for this evening, I recalled how it is when someone initially accepts Christ as Lord and Savior. They are exuberant. It’s usually because someone has shown them the way and invited them to learn more about Jesus. Infinitely more important than the markets, but the process is similar. And, similar to Carter’s experience, and my own experience as a young teenager, habits developed early on tend to stay with us for the rest of our lives. In fact, we know that people who accept Christ before the age of 16 are far more likely to have a closer relationship with Christ throughout their lives.
Being committed to learn about any topic, to become more knowledgeable and conversant, is vitally important to grow and be more successful. Our decision to walk beside Carter as an act of solidarity is not so different from teaching and attending Bible studies – helping our youth on the road to progressive sanctification. That is, helping others to become more Christlike as they mature in their Christian walk.
Our verse for tonight is one I’m sure that you have heard often. It is from King Solomon and his book of Proverbs. He tells us simply, in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Whether it is learning about the markets or committing yourself to a lifelong course of study to become more Christlike, this is great advice from the wisest mortal who has ever lived! My encouragement this evening is for all of us to pour ourselves into our younger generations and to walk beside them whenever possible to ensure their success in their life endeavors. My prayer is that God will grant us the years to live long, productive lives; and to use those years mentoring those who come after us. After all, we are made in the image of Christ, which is a tremendous blessing. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…