With all the chaos and incidents of violence that seem to have entangled the citizens of this and other countries, to say our immediate future is uncertain would be a gross understatement of fact. It appears every national and international news headline ranging from unrest in the Middle East, the mere threat of terrorism, and any unfavorable reports has an adverse affect on the stock market and thus, the world’s economy. Most astute financial advisors maintain gold, silver, and other precious metals are the safest bet when it comes to investing. There has even been a fresh look taken at the prospect of securing one’s financial holdings in the form of diamonds or rare stones to preserve wealth as various currencies around the globe are subject to the perils of life’s inevitable ebb and flow.

A basic understanding of movement on Wall Street allows one the uncanny ability to anticipate any resulting pivotal change depending upon the extent or degree of consequences spawned by actions on Main Street USA. Corporate America continuously chooses to operate beyond the confines of what is considered daily life for the country’s citizens, i.e. the consumers, as long as the company’s bottom line remains secured. Regardless of what transpires across the country most senior executives, presidents or CEO’s aren’t really affected unless there is an adverse effect on their company’s bottom line.

How many of America’s corporate elite would sacrifice the cost of a week’s vacation, the price of another company jet or luxury yacht for the sake of making a contribution to underprivileged families or the cost of a child’s education? There is absolutely nothing wrong with being successful but when the people who are able to attain a nominal degree of prosperity simply turn a blind eye to conditions plaguing the consumer it speaks to the poor character of the consummate entrepreneur.

As well as buying stocks and expanding our portfolios, we could simply make a substantial investment in the life of a child or young adult. The accomplishment of saving, influencing or changing the lives of youngsters, a family or even a community is an action with a priceless return. The benefit would be beyond monetary calculation but could have a lasting residual dividend.

The Word I study declares in Proverbs 22:6 that we: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” and cautions against doing any harm to a child as Matthew 18:6 warns: “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.” There are countless studies that speak to the unbridled benefits of “investing” time and energy into today’s youth.

To look at teenagers and young adults; seeing the state of utter decay that has engulfed them, is a view of the world’s foundation of tomorrow as they are the future leaders of this great country and the world…be it good, bad, or indifferent. The act of ignoring issues afflicting today’s youth essentially amounts to sabotaging the future given the fact that they are tomorrow’s leaders.

I argue that the greatest investment we can make is in future generations as they will be governing and managing the resources necessary to sustain society in our “silver” years. More significant than monitoring the NASDAQ or the S & P 500 is the need to help manage the lives of today’s youth. The greater majority are either incarcerated, living a lifestyle that has them on a fast-track to prison or the cemetery. Many of those who have somehow managed to half-way navigate their way through life without falling victim to the typical social ills either elect to not pursue a college education or emerge from schools of higher learning facing an incredible mountain of debt. In either case, they are subject to beginning life that offers no favoritism while realizing they’re already positioned “behind the eight ball.”

It is a documented fact that ninety-eight percent of the wealth in America is held by only one percent of the citizens. That simply means most of us weren’t born with silver spoons in our mouths. So, unless you happen to be the first cousin of Warren Buffet or Bill Gates and have somehow gained their devout favor, you would be part of what’s considered the “working class.” It is imperative that we make the sacrifice and take time to pour into the young men and women who can make a difference in this world or we’ll all be lost. I could be wrong but it’s just something to consider.