August 9, 2011 with 6 Comments

408.

The Christian and Wall Street

The economy stinks.

It’s been obvious all along.

We didn’t need the S & P’s downgrading the US economy to tip us off.

I think most of us figured it out when we found out our homes were now worth only half of what we bought them for. We didn’t need an MBA to connect the dots.

When the stock market is falling, and unemployment rates are up, and gas prices are higher than we’d like them, and interest rates too tedious to follow, it’s easy to panic.

It’s easy to become worried, or resigned. It’s easy to feel cynical about the times, and it’s easy to criticize and point fingers.

But if you’re a Christian facing difficult economic times, there are 4 things you’ve got to remember that will make all the difference:

1. God is still in control. There is no need to panic. God is still on the throne. His word still holds true. He will provide for all of your needs. He is sovereign over kings, and presidents, and Wall street, and all of the affairs of man. Believe it and breathe. It’s going to be ok.

2. You still have a personal responsibility. Just because the economy is crumbling doesn’t mean your own economic health should be too. You have a responsibility to continue striving for work, doing your best in your job, and paying your bills. You also have a continued responsibility to give back. I believe one of the main ways Christians start to save when times are tough is by cutting their tithes. Don’t! Honor God with your firstfruit. God will honor your faith.

3. There is only one way to stop the bleeding. At the end of the day, even if you are the United States Government of a household of one, the only way to stop the bleeding is to cut spending and/or increase income. Before you join the throngs in criticizing Washington, start applying those principles yourself. Get rid of that credit card. Get a second job. Be willing to do anything. The bleeding will eventually stop.

4. You have been given a huge opportunity. When times are tough, people ask questions and are looking for answers. This is your chance to show the world what it means to trust God in the midst of great uncertainty. Get off the panic train. Speak up for Christ. Grab the opportunity right before your eyes. You will never regret sharing the truth.

Listen, times will get better again – eventually. But whether times are good, or times are tough, our faith in God must remain steadfast.

How are you coping with this season of financial uncertainty?

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  • http://ZCxz Milo

    Excellent. No comment. this says it all. I like the piggy bank.

  • Ruth

    Great post. That photo is also perfect!

  • Sue

    So very true! Great insight, Lina!

  • ramzi

    Good nice to see u leave politics out.

  • Roxanna Ferris

    Thanks for the encouragement. God bless.

  • Amber

    Wow, you hit home on this one. I have to pray every day that God will give me the strength for my family to make it. We tend to get mad at each other when things don’t get better right away. Proverbs 3:5-6
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
    Another good verse is Phil 4:4-7
    Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.