While viewing the President’s news conference, this question came to mind:

Are You On The Winning Team?

As a government employee for 21-plus years, I understand that this question is sort of an inside joke among government workers. Being aligned with Congress we are, supposedly, on the winning team. Therefore, I wonder why there is hesitation about personal accounts among those on Capital Hill.

The Thrift Saving Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees. Congress established it in 1986. The purpose was to provide the same kind of retirement income for Federal employees, with the tax benefits, that many private corporations offer their employees under 401(k) plans.

I’d like to ask the political representatives that are against Personal Accounts two questions:

• Are you on the winning team?
• Do you own a personal account?

TSP is similar to what the President is proposing as a change for Social Security. I give 5% of my pay. Others give 10-15%. It’s, as the President stated, voluntary and I have decided to only put in 5%. This allows me the flexibility to lay up more of my treasure in heaven.

Concerning retirement, I am fortunate to be under CSRS (the Civil Service Retirement System). FERS is the Federal Employees’ Retirement System that is being phased in to replace CSRS. FERS is another political move which rightly recognized the impending baby-boom situation. I (with all who are still under CSRS) was offered the opportunity to switch to FERS some time ago. I declined. I didn’t see a bill introduced requiring our representatives to change their retirement plan therefore, I decided to stay on the winning team.

By the year 2030, it is estimated that Social Security will be on the ropes. I will be 71 years old then and, God willing, still in the ring fighting. An observant man in scripture noticed that we live to be 70 years old and by reason of strength 80. Anything older than that is a blessing, and God must really have something for you to do. Thus, even though I’m prudent, saving for my latter years and planning to leave something for my children, I am investing in the here and now. I am investing in people. Again, I’m laying up treasure in heaven.

My personal account is being in a right relationship with God. TSP, savings and retirement are all vanity if used in a way that is not pleasing to God. I’m keeping a personal short account with God by confessing my sins and trusting in Jesus Christ. Following His plan for my life and reaching folks for Him is where the real wealth is. My social and eternal security is in Him.

Are You On The Winning Team?

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