1 Nov 2008
Stimulus checks. Congressional bailout. Gas prices sky high. The stock market is down, no up, no down again, and again, one day up, but mostly down. Obviously we are entering a time of great economic uncertainty and fluctuation. And who knows what it all is really about, who’s to blame and who has the magic answers? I know I don’t.
But what I do know is this: that in spite of uncertain times we believe in a certain God. That in spite of great fluctuation we follow a steady Savior. That in spite of doubts and fears we are filled with God’s Spirit of peace and hope. What I do know is that God’s Word has a word for us when the things of this world are unreliable.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5For I am convinced that… neither the present nor the future… will be able to separate us from the love of God… Romans 8:38-39
· Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive... Proverbs 11:28
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness… Therefore do not worry about tomorrow… Matthew 6:33,34
Isn’t it comforting to know that in spite of changing times and circumstances, we follow and worship a Lord who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow? (See Hebrews 13:5-8).
But what about practical matters concerning finances? What does God tell us? And does His Word prepare us for economic uncertainties? I think so in three areas. First and foremost would be to live within our means. I believe that godly character includes how we handle money, and that means not spending more than we have. Jesus said it this way in Luke 16:11 “So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” Living within our means is not only a spiritual trait, it sets us free from being tossed to and fro by the whims and shifts of the times. It is easier to cut back when we have developed the habit of not overspending.
Second, our relationship with God includes the stewardship of returning a portion of God’s blessings for Kingdom work. Giving is not about “paying God back” but about joining Him in saving souls. And we are to continue to obey God in giving regardless of the economic climate. We are not told to give only when the financial forecast is sunny, but to give faithfuly so that the Gospel will continue to go to all the world. The Apostle Paul wrote of the churches of Macedonia (2 Corinthians 8:2-7) who even during a severe famine “…their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. -- see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
Third, God asks us to trust Him and prepare for uncertain times by setting aside part of what He gives us each month for the times when finances are tough. Proverbs 21:20 says “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” It is prudent to put money aside in savings in order to have a margin for those times when we have less. If you lost your source of income today, how many months or weeks would you survive? God in His wisdom calls His people to live simply in order to simply live. (PS: This church that you support practices all three of these economic spiritual truths!)
Those who are already faithful in the above three areas survive tough times much better because God faithfully sustains those who trust His ways. For others this present difficulty may be an opportunity to begin putting God’s Word into practice more faithfully. God gives us that challenge when He says “Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (Malachi 3:10).
Denis Whittet
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