Tough Economy
12/07/09 21:44
We
are hearing a lot about the “tough”
economy nowadays. Unemployment is reaching double
figures, people are losing their homes, and things
seem so volatile, that implosion is imminent. What on
earth will we do then? What would happen to us if
this recent recession fell into a full-blown
depression?
What worries me is that we, as a nation, have become a very violent people. Have we seen the worse or will the conditions of our economy thrust us to lower levels of civility? I know that there was crime during the first Great Depression of the 1930’s, but I am afraid it would pale in comparison should we enter another.
Drug use is up, domestic violence is up, street crime is up; whether it would be urban or suburban, crime and violence is escalating at a tremendous rate. Someone may argue that it’s because there are more people living now than back in the ‘30’s. But those who would argue per capita statistics are missing the point. The point being that we are living in dangerous times because of the economic situation and the fact that there are more people living today only makes the times even more dangerous.
What I am seeing here is that the economy has the capability to govern how people conduct their lives. In other words, if John Doe has what he needs and a few of his wants, then he seems more contented. And contentment brings peace; peace with himself and with others. But if Mr. Doe is in dire straits from morning till night because of his economic problems, he may be prone to act desperately. This might not be good news for his family, friends and neighbors. The recent shooting of football great Steve McNair is evidence of the truth of what I am saying here. The investigation revealed that his young girlfriend was in financial trouble, couple that with relationship problems and you end up with a homicide/suicide.
But I have been speaking about the people of this world and not about Christians. The economy is not our governance, nor the foundation of our lives. For the Christian, Jesus Christ is Lord and whether we live in plenty or we are seeking God for our daily bread, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding.
St. Paul said that he knew what it was like to be in need and what it was like to have plenty. And he had learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether living in plenty or want. The secret: I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me!
For the Christian, these economic times are a fertile field for our evangelistic efforts. With the circumstances as hari-kari as they are, we have something substantial to offer folks –Jesus Christ, the Solid Rock. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand… Isn’t this a wonderful time to remind folks what Jesus said about building our houses?
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
In these trying times we need to be doubly sure that our lives are secured and anchored to that Rock. King David said, “I was once young, now I am old and I have never seen the righteous forsaken.” Thank you, God, for Your faithfulness.
Have a God blessed week!
Pastor Jim
What worries me is that we, as a nation, have become a very violent people. Have we seen the worse or will the conditions of our economy thrust us to lower levels of civility? I know that there was crime during the first Great Depression of the 1930’s, but I am afraid it would pale in comparison should we enter another.
Drug use is up, domestic violence is up, street crime is up; whether it would be urban or suburban, crime and violence is escalating at a tremendous rate. Someone may argue that it’s because there are more people living now than back in the ‘30’s. But those who would argue per capita statistics are missing the point. The point being that we are living in dangerous times because of the economic situation and the fact that there are more people living today only makes the times even more dangerous.
What I am seeing here is that the economy has the capability to govern how people conduct their lives. In other words, if John Doe has what he needs and a few of his wants, then he seems more contented. And contentment brings peace; peace with himself and with others. But if Mr. Doe is in dire straits from morning till night because of his economic problems, he may be prone to act desperately. This might not be good news for his family, friends and neighbors. The recent shooting of football great Steve McNair is evidence of the truth of what I am saying here. The investigation revealed that his young girlfriend was in financial trouble, couple that with relationship problems and you end up with a homicide/suicide.
But I have been speaking about the people of this world and not about Christians. The economy is not our governance, nor the foundation of our lives. For the Christian, Jesus Christ is Lord and whether we live in plenty or we are seeking God for our daily bread, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding.
St. Paul said that he knew what it was like to be in need and what it was like to have plenty. And he had learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether living in plenty or want. The secret: I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me!
For the Christian, these economic times are a fertile field for our evangelistic efforts. With the circumstances as hari-kari as they are, we have something substantial to offer folks –Jesus Christ, the Solid Rock. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand… Isn’t this a wonderful time to remind folks what Jesus said about building our houses?
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
In these trying times we need to be doubly sure that our lives are secured and anchored to that Rock. King David said, “I was once young, now I am old and I have never seen the righteous forsaken.” Thank you, God, for Your faithfulness.
Have a God blessed week!
Pastor Jim
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