LET'S MAKE A DEAL

From My Perspective - - -

In December 1963, LET’S MAKE A DEAL became a daytime entry in television as a contestant-driven program. A summary states: “One of TV's all time greatest and most successful shows, Let's Make a Deal was a game of intuition, skill, luck, decision-making and greed...all mixed into one…” People would carry signs, or dress in all kinds of costumes hoping to attract the attention of the Host, Monty Hall. Currently, there is another program that is rated very high – DEAL OR NO DEAL. These programs demonstrate the inner-struggle as contestants determine if a “greed principle” might pay off with a prize of considerable value. Some contestants claim “intuition” and others express “confidence” or “hope” that their selection is the top prize or bring about a valuable outcome.

In December 2008, we have a different “game” revealed that people and organizations have been playing. It, too, has been “…a game of intuition, skill, luck, decision-making and greed…” However, we are reading of the sad result for too many people and organizations as the “jackpot” became elusive and disappeared. In today’s news (December 16, 2008) is the following item: “A federal grand jury is investigating how a company that advised Jefferson County, Alabama, on bond deals that threaten to cause the biggest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history, did similar work in New Mexico after making contributions to Governor Bill Richardson’s political action committees… The investigation reflects another front in nationwide efforts by U.S. prosecutors to investigate so-called pay-to-play in the municipal bond market. The term refers to banks and advisers who make political contributions or personal gifts to public officials in return for fee-paying financing assignments…”

In a similar news item today, there is a continuing revelation of people and organizations who have been ultimately defrauded of Billions of Dollars. The Hedge Fund Scam indicates: “The fallout from Bernard Madoff’s alleged $50bn fraud spread through the global financial system on Monday as more banks revealed exposures to his firm and the beleaguered hedge fund industry braced for withdrawals from worried clients.” Banks, some of whom have received Billions of Dollars from the Federal Government Bailout, have also lost more than $10 Billion Dollars in this investment scheme. We also read: “Outraged philanthropists worldwide nursed wounds on Monday from the alleged $50 billion fraud by former Nasdaq chairman Bernard Madoff, forcing some charities to shutter and hitting others with massive losses…As of Monday, at least three foundations had closed or planned to shut.” It won’t be surprising if we soon learn that a number of religious organizations have been caught in this investment web and considerable loss.

Consider these things with me - - - A strong case can be made Biblically for an investment strategy (See Matthew 25:14 through 30 – The Parable of the Talents). A key conclusion made by Jesus to the servant who had not invested his talent was: “you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest…” Religious Organizations and Local Churches have taken their Bequest Funds, or Excess Cash, or Endowment Funds and placed them in Stock Portfolios and Management Funds. This entire concept at first blush is ludicrous. Many of these investments are now gone! Some have lost 40% to 50% of their original worth. While many Board Members of Churches and Religious Organizations would argue to the contrary, the fact is they have gambled and lost. It will be interesting to see transparency by these same groups as appeals are made for funds to help them stay on television or to keep their religious empire intact. For religious organizations – from the small local church to the most visible national/international ministry – many people would love to see transparency as admission is made to the poor judgment in investment and the commitment not to get caught up in Ponzi Schemes of any sort in the future. Also, the commitment and representation to practice Luke 6:38 (NLT), “If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving – large or small – it will be used to measure what is given back to you.” When will we learn to do God’s business God’s Way? When will we trust Him for all we need?