Six Life Insurance Myths That Are Costing Christians Their Legacy

Life insurance is rarely discussed in Christian circles with any depth. Many assume it is either unnecessary, overly complex, or something they will handle later. Others associate it with fear-driven sales tactics or believe it reflects a lack of trust in God. These attitudes are not only misguided, they are costly. They leave households exposed, undermine long-term provision, and delay responsible action until it is too late.

Life insurance is not a magical solution or a substitute for diligent living, but it is one of the more practical expressions of biblical prudence available today. When rightly understood and properly used, it preserves a family’s stability, safeguards a household’s mission, and extends a man's testimony beyond his grave.

Below are six common misconceptions that are keeping Christians from embracing this tool. Each reflects a breakdown in theology, stewardship, or both.

1. “If I die, God will provide for my family.”

This is perhaps the most spiritually dressed of all insurance myths. It sounds devout and faith-filled, yet it presents a deeply distorted view of God’s providence.

Scripture affirms God’s care for the widow and orphan. He fed Elijah through ravens, sustained Israel with manna, and multiplied oil for the widow of Zarephath. He is able, generous, and sovereign. However, the Bible also repeatedly places the burden of ordinary provision upon the head of the household. The command is not “Trust God and hope someone steps in.” The command is to provide for your household. Paul speaks plainly: “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8). That is a serious indictment. You should care for the widow and the orphan, posthumously if necessary.

This passage does not address temporary seasons of lack. It condemns negligence disguised as piety. It rebukes men who default on their calling and blame their inaction on a misunderstanding of divine sovereignty. A Christian man is not excused from stewardship because he believes in providence. His belief in providence demands greater diligence. God provides through means, and in the context of an early death, life insurance can be one of those means.

2. “I’m young and healthy. I don’t need it yet.”

This objection assumes that tomorrow will come, yet Scripture calls such presumption foolish. James warns, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Youth does not guarantee safety, and strength does not ensure longevity. These are blessings, not certainties. The proper time to secure life insurance is when coverage is both available and affordable.

Once a diagnosis arrives, options shrink. Chronic conditions close doors. Insurability is not a right, but a window that does not stay open forever. A young father with two children may feel invincible. His back does not ache, his blood pressure is normal, and his days are full, but he is not promised the same next year. His household is not immune to tragedy. If he dies tomorrow, the question will not be how strong he was but whether he left anything behind for those who depended on him. The wise man builds in advance. The fool assumes he will always have time.

Some Christians argue against life insurance by citing biblical examples like David facing Goliath without armor, suggesting that faith in God should replace reliance on worldly safeguards. However, this interpretation overlooks the broader biblical witness regarding wisdom and stewardship. While David refused Saul’s armor, he did not reject preparation entirely. He brought his sling and chose five smooth stones (1 Samuel 17:40). Similarly, Scripture commends planning and providing for one’s household (Proverbs 13:22, 1 Timothy 5:8). Life insurance, when rightly understood, is not a rejection of faith but a tool of loving foresight, part of caring for those whom God has entrusted to us.

3. “Life insurance is a scam. I’ll just set aside money myself.”

This myth reveals a category confusion. It treats life insurance as a tool for wealth building when it is, in fact, a contract designed to provide a beneficiary with a portion of what you would have provided them over your life upon your death. That distinction matters. Setting aside savings is absolutely prudent, but insufficient to cover this catastrophic risk. Savings take time and grow slowly. Most people do not have 10 years worth of their income in savings, nor is that likely to be the best place for such a large amount of money. So if the breadwinner dies early, his savings will not suffice. Something more is required.

A life insurance policy does not replace savings. It complements them by providing immediate funds at a moment when expenses spike and income disappears. Funeral costs, mortgage payments, childcare, and relocation often arise all at once. Families in grief are not most helped by spreadsheets or long-term strategies. They are helped by cash in hand, which life insurance provides.

Imagine a man who sets aside $500 per month with discipline. Over ten years, he accumulates $60,000, which is admirable. Yet if he dies unexpectedly, his wife will inherit the responsibilities of the remaining $250,000 mortgage, $15,000 in funeral costs, and three children needing care, oftentimes without an income of her own. His discipline will be remembered, but his preparation fell short.

Life insurance is not a wealth building strategy. It is a protection strategy that addresses one risk (early death) and ensures your household does not suffer otherwise avoidable hardship. It provides an immediate estate, offsetting the potential that you do not live to build that estate personally. You cannot be replaced, but your income can.

4. “My work provides life insurance. That’s enough.”

Employer-provided life insurance often gives workers a false sense of security. Coverage amounts are usually minimal, one to two times annual salary. Some policies offer more if you pay extra, but even the higher tiers rarely cover all of your long-term needs.

A wife with small children cannot replace a husband’s income with just one year of salary. A young widow cannot raise a family, pay off a mortgage, and continue homeschooling with a lump sum that barely covers funeral expenses and the cost of moving out of the house her husband died in. Employer-based policies can help bridge a portion of the gap, but they rarely offer enough coverage to totally economically replace the head of a household.

Group life insurance is also temporary. It is contingent on your employment. A layoff, job change, or company closure may result in the immediate loss of coverage. Some companies allow conversion to a personal policy, but those options are often expensive and limited.

If your entire protection strategy relies on job-based benefits, you are trusting in a system you do not control. A wise man secures independent coverage that remains in place regardless of employment changes. Do not delegate your household’s potential financial security to your HR department.

5. “Life insurance is only for people with debt.”

This mindset betrays a shallow view of legacy. It assumes the goal of life insurance is merely to cancel obligations and return the family to zero. That view does not reflect a biblical understanding of provision. Scripture casts a broader vision. Psalm 112 describes the man who fears the Lord as one who leaves an inheritance, blesses his children, and uses his resources for lasting impact. His wealth supports generosity. His righteousness endures.

Life insurance can support that vision. It can supply a cash reserve for a spouse, fund a trust, provide for special needs, launch a new family endeavor, or strengthen ministry giving after death. It is not just about paying off liabilities, but about stewarding resources with foresight and care. A Christian household should not settle for “nothing owed.” The goal is not survival, but dominion, faithfulness, and multigenerational impact. That includes passing on more than memories. It includes intentional provision that honors the labor of the father and blesses those who follow.

6. “I’ll get around to it later.”

This myth is familiar, common, and deadly. Life insurance is not typically avoided through conscious rebellion. It is avoided through delay. Good intentions often mask dangerous negligence. Many men intend to handle it later. They plan to review options after the next raise or after the next child is born. They tell themselves they will research policies when life slows down. The problem is that life rarely slows down. The future arrives quickly. Health changes, circumstances shift, and what could have been simple becomes complicated or impossible. An hour or two now can save your family's financial future, and very few are so busy that they do not have a spare hour. Make it a priority, and you will find the time.

Scripture does not honor procrastination. The sluggard is not condemned because he lacks ambition, but because he never follows through. He always plans but never acts, always talks but never moves. To delay provision is not neutral. It is a decision to leave your household exposed. If you die before taking action on this, your family bears the cost.

There is no virtue in delay. There is no wisdom in putting your family’s protection on hold.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Lasts

Charles Bridges, in his exposition on Proverbs, wrote that “prudence is a part of godliness.” This is not prudence rooted in fear. It is prudence rooted in order. A Christian man knows that death is not theoretical. He knows God has entrusted him with people, resources, and responsibility. Life insurance is not about control from beyond the grave. It is about care. It is one way to say to your household, “If I am gone, you will still be protected. You will not be abandoned.”

A wise man sets his house in order. He uses the tools available to him for the glory of God and the good of those entrusted to him. He does not postpone what love requires. He does not call presumption faith. He does not pretend that uncertainty exempts him from duty. Instead, he considers the future, honors his responsibilities, and acts with sober-minded resolve.

Your legacy will not be measured by your intentions. It will be measured by what you prepared in advance. If your household would be exposed to poverty by your absence, take action now. Set a time to speak with our team here. We will help you evaluate your needs, understand your options, and put proper coverage in place. It will be faster and often less expensive than you expect. A Life insurance premium is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Your household deserves clarity, security, and peace. Let us help you leave your house in order.