Biblical Principles for the Economic Crisis
March 3, 2009
Dear Friends,
This past year was the worst year in global economic terms since the Great Depression in the 1930s and 2009 is looking like it may be worse. On a practical level, what can believers do in this environment? Here are a few short Biblically-based suggestions.
1. “Owe no man anything.” (Rom. 13:8) If you are in debt, work to get out of debt. If you need some help getting your financial house in order, please see the financial section at WCF Life Solutions. The basic principle here is fairly straight forward although it seems to be lost on the world – if you don’t have any more money, stop spending. There was a very humorous take off on this simple idea you can view here.
2. Remember the Ants! Proverbs 30:25 tells us of the wisdom of the ants which prepares for bad times in advance. This advice may be a little too late for us collectively, but perhaps not individually. Individuals need to prepare for the possibilities in uncertain economic times. Don’t wait for your employer to lay you off or go under to prepare for finding another job. Polish off your resume’ now. Make sure your job skills are up-to-date and are relevant to the marketplace. If it looks like you may be laid off, start looking for a job before that happens. If your company allows it, you might want to moonlight on another job to get your foot in the door at another employer and put the extra income aside as a buffer in case of job loss.
3. Take a reality check. Proverbs 12:11 tells us “He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.” If you were a farrier (a person who shoes horses) in 1910, you had a long, long history of demand for your services. However, with the advent of the automobile, your job was going away very quickly. No amount of lamenting, using the latest blacksmithing techniques, blaming the car industry, etc. was going to change that fact that your business was dying. Similarly, we need to be realistic about our modern economy. It is more than likely hard work that will provide the best buffer for bad times moving forward rather than a dependency on government pensions, retirement plans and bailouts.
4. Learn contentment. The Apostle Paul tells us to be content if we have food and clothing. (1 Tim. 6:8) I was powerfully reminded of this point this week as we lost power in a snowstorm for a day and a half. God never promised us microwave ovens, hot showers and computers. We may have to lower our standard of living in the coming days. If it comes, let us do so with a smile on our face and the joy of Christ in our hearts so that people will know our faith is not overcome by superficialities.
5. Provide for your own. There is a possibility that ecclesias are going to be deluged with requests for financial assistance. There are a couple of principles that should be kept in mind. The family should take care of its own members first. (1 Tim. 5:8) Brethren who have capabilities to provide for themselves should not be put on the welfare of the ecclesia. (1 Tim. 5, 2 Thess. 3:10) The elders may wish to study these Biblical principles in advance and share their findings with the ecclesia so that everyone knows what to expect when and if the need arises for financial assistance. You want to avoid, if possible, people who really need help being afraid to ask for it as well as people who don’t really need help having to be turned down.
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Phil 4:11-13 NIV)
Have a great week,
Comments»
Good stuff Kyle! Here are two more verses to consider.
“Do not put your trust in princes nor in a son of man in whom there is no help” Psa 146:3
And when it DOES go “pear-shaped”, it’s great to recall that
“…we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” Rom 8:28.
It can seem VERY trite to wheel out verses like these when one waits for the sheriff’s knock. But it’s a huge test of faith and a huge comfort too when we can really, honestly soak these messages up and know that God is in total control. Our lives are for eternity. This year, next year are but blips.
Colin Green, Sydney, Australia