Ellen Chat Conversation

The counsel regarding insurance distinguishes between the protection of physical property and the practice of life insurance. While there is strong caution against life insurance as a worldly policy that diverts God's means, the protection of buildings and valuable assets is treated as a matter of prudent stewardship. There is a clear expression of concern for the safety of property and the potential for loss by fire, which suggests that taking measures to secure such assets is appropriate (3MR 404). In managing institutions and property, the importance of counting the cost before beginning any enterprise is emphasized. This includes understanding the ongoing expenses and the liability to losses that occur daily in the operation of large facilities (13MR 172.2) (4T 388.2). Effective management requires a realistic assessment of the capital needed to keep a business moving and to maintain a fund for continual uses, rather than operating on such narrow margins that the institution cannot sustain itself (CM 86.1).

Regarding the specific level of coverage, the writings highlight that managers must be discerning and prayerful, ensuring they have fully investigated the financial requirements of their projects (15MR 273.2) (PC 20.3). While the specific technical terms of "full" versus "soft-cost" insurance are not used, the principle of "counting the cost" implies a thorough preparation for potential risks and expenses (PCL 246.3). The anxiety expressed over the possibility of losing precious materials to fire indicates that protecting the physical results of one's labor is a valid concern for a faithful steward (3MR 404).

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