“That’s the Reason You Buy Insurance”
Brethren and friends from Morgan County, OH, will remember him, as will many from Marietta, OH. In recent years, his secular work took him and his wife to Bucyrus, Defiance, and Napoleon, OH. His name: RONALD SANDS. Ron and his siblings grew up on a small farm just across the road from the Wolf Creek church of Christ meeting house. His dad, Donald, was one of the elders when I obeyed the gospel at that place. Ron was an insurance professional by trade, but a much stronger and devoted Christian by choice: a choice he never regretted and a life he purposely committed to the Lord’s service!
When Nancy and I married, Ron was our “insurance man.” Because of my “driving style” before marriage, I was “high risk” for auto insurance, yet Ron still helped us. Within a week of accepting the work with the Waverly church of Christ, I was “at fault” in an accident that involved four cars! Ron investigated and calmed me down by saying, “This is why you buy insurance.” He helped guide us through the challenges and kept us insured!
But Ron’s greatest work was his dedication to Christ and His kingdom. Because he desired to learn more and more of God’s word, he would rise very early in the mornings and devote at least two hours to diligent study before leaving his home for work. Retirement permitted him more time for study, teaching, and guiding other souls in the word of God. He often called me regarding his study and how best to convey the truth of God’s word to those who were in error about its commands. To put this in his vernacular, “That’s why you buy the truth and sell it not, just like insurance.” (cf. Proverbs 23:23)
Ron and Mary Jo moved to North Carolina last October because of his declining health. Their daughter lives there and was very helpful to them during Ron’s last months on earth. I learned of their move after Ron became unable to communicate his thoughts. It saddened me to learn of his decline, as I had known Ron throughout my life. He was one of my “back home” dear friends, and a tremendous bible student!
On January 1, at about 12:03 AM, Ron departed this life. His remains will be returned to his home area of Wolf Creek, while his soul returns to God to gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7). I muse on Ron’s statement to me long ago, and adjust it to fit this situation: “This is why you buy insurance from the Lord, and keep the premiums paid in exchange for the protection in this world, and the eternal benefits we could not otherwise gain.” Thanks, Ron, for your example of righteousness in Christ, and your friendship!
