Is it Okay for a Christian to Buy Insurance?

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Proverbs 27:12

There is no passage in Scripture that tells us to purchase a life insurance policy or any kind of indemnity. However, we are called to be wise, prepare, and not to make foolish decisions, while at the same time have faith. This is where insurance comes in. As it is basically a means of compensating one’s family or others when bad events befall, such a loss, so that they can continue to be economically secure. Thus, when we take preventive measures to safeguard our families from the adverse effects of tragedy, is a precept plainly taught in the Bible.

Yet, many Christians feel that any kind of insurance is a lack of faith, especially life insurance. For the reason that our lives are in God’s hands. After all, “if we just trust God, then insurance is a lack of reliance on Him.” This has been said to me countless of times over the years. I hear their point, and it sounds good and biblical, what a mature believer should view. Because, this is about trust, and to buy an insurance policy, even if it is a Christian company, violates that trust and our spiritual maturity. If we really believe that, then the logical extension is not to have auto or health insurance too. And if we get in an accident or get sick, then it is a lack of faith on our part. And, yes, some Pastors preach that, and some Christians really believe that. But, is this really biblical? Let us take a dive into the Bible and find out.

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8

• My first point is that preparation is a theme in Scripture, and one who does not prepare is called a fool in many places. If we have the means to engage a good act to protect our family, like locking the door, we will do it. If we say, “I do not need to lock the door, even though I live in a bad neighborhood, but I trust in God,” is just foolish. Yet, we are called to be wise and have faith.

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8

• Why would someone make a decision that will burden their family? Most would not. However, if we do not have provisions set aside, like protection for self, family, and business, what we are doing is in fact creating a future burden that we get to escape, because we will not be here. This is skirting one’s responsibility and duty as a Christian.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27

• The Bible calls us to take care of the orphans and widows, so that they are provided with what they need and are not seen as a burden. Life insurance is one of the great ways to engage this call.

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” Proverbs 13:22

• Insurance is a good tool to make sure you have an inheritance to leave your children and family and a legacy after you have passed this life.

…the guilty party must pay the injured person for any loss of time and see that the victim is completely healed… pay the owner for the loss …” Exodus 21:12-36

• This passage has the theme of liability. Thus, God is telling us it is okay to seek compensation for injury and death, as in life and injury insurance. As auto insurance is also about caring for our neighbor and health insurance helps us pay the medical bills we owe. As the major reason for personal bankruptcy these days is medical expenses. Good insurance is a wise means of stewardship and so we are not a burden upon ourselves or others.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12

• My final point, we will have calamity, and we should expect the unexpected and do our due diligence to prepare the best we can. If we do not properly prepare, then when such calamity does come our way, and it will, we will suffer even more that we do not have to. Thus, insurance is the way to protect our families and any assets we may have. We can protect them from losing their homes and even going bankrupt.

As I mentioned in a previous post, as a pastor, I conducted the funerals and counseled the families of scores of believers who felt it was a lack of faith to have insurance. They left behind not just a lack of provision for their families, but also no economic means for their spouse and children. Many of whom lost their homes and or had to go back to work at an elderly age. This is not how God has called a believer to behave. We are called to take care of our families. Life insurance is our tool to that means. It is not a lack of trust; rather, it is a prudent measure to be responsible to one’s family and legacy. Faith is not the ability to control the outcome of what we go through, rather, it is trusting in our Lord regardless of what happens.

Some more Scriptures to ponder: Proverbs 24:6; 27:12, 23-27; Ecclesiastes 11:1; John 16:33; Romans 4:4; 13:1; 2 Corinthians 12:14; Philippians 2:4; 1 Timothy 5:16; James 4:13-17.

Allow me to help you be prepared and take advantage of my team and with the vast resources I have access too, and the three hundred plus companies I represent. I am here to help you!

 

Dr. Richard Krejcir is a licensed and experienced Financial Consultant with over thirty years of experience. He has worked for major banks, insurance companies, nonprofits, and families too. He is also an author, pastor, Special Ed Teacher, and financial blogger and holds a doctorate in Stewardship.