I know almost nothing about economics. That disclaimer is important. It's on my mind, so I'm writing about it today; but I know very little about the complexities of what's going on out there. It does seem to me, though, that at the very least this present economic "Pearl Harbor," as Warren Buffet described it, is a wake-up call to Americans. For the last umpteen years, we've been living on the world's credit card, burrowing to support the federal budget, and Americans have been borrowing to support their personal wants and needs at an unprecedented rate. Again, I'm not even close to an economist, but it doesn't take a genius to see that you can't borrow and borrow and borrow. Sooner or later the piper must be paid.
About a week ago I read an editorial (I believe it was by George Will) in which the writer noted that there is a lot of finger pointing going on out there. Many are pointing, rightly, to the banking industry. Many are pointing, rightly, to the folks on Wall Street and the executives making their outrageous salaries. But, this writer went on to say, there should also be some fingers pointing back to us, the American consumers, and our consumer habits. If we borrow $100 k for a house and can only afford $70, part of the blame must be pointed back to us. If we're borrowing because we're simply too impatient to purchase items we want, part of the blame must come back to us.
It's interesting, don't you think, that this present crisis hits us right in the bulls-eye of one of the strongest warnings ever given by Jesus. "No one can serve two masters," Jesus said. That's a simple, factual statement. No one is capable of ultimately loving and serving two masters. But I've always found it very interesting that he used only one example for this. "No one can serve two masters... No one can serve both God and mammon." "Mammon" is the Aramaic term for money and the things that money can buy.
Perhaps we are experiencing the consequences of a national idolatry? Perhaps it's time to focus on living within our means? Maybe we need to remember what 'layaway' means? Perhaps we as a nation need to take this wake-up call with every bit as much seriousness as we did 9/11?
I'd like to know what you think.
4 comments:
Your thinking is right on target. Larry Burkett, who has since passed away, was a Christian financial counselor who warned us several years ago that our nation was going to have a financial meltdown. David Wilkerson wrote 10 years ago that this was coming. We are a nation that has learned to believe the lie that to be "successful" we must have lots of material things. We would be so much happier if we learned to see this foothold in our own lives, repent, and turn to the truth. The only real way to be successful in a long lasting way is to be in real relationship with Jesus...following Him and putting on His "wedding clothes" to become more like him. Your ideas are a great beginning. Thank you for sharing them.
Perhaps we could follow the example of this elderly couple who lived life simply and loved their neighbor's/friends/FAMILY deeply. Follow this link to a very cool news story.
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/story?id=6017413&page=1
Eunice, thanks for the post. I hear that you're as new to this as I am. Thanks for taking the time to write.
Beverly, I checked out the link. This reminds me a little bit of Richard Foster's book called "The Freedom of Simplicity." That might be a great read for a lot of us during this crazy economic season.
Beverly, thanks for sharing that article! It really made me think about living within, but not of, the world.
Pastor Steve, I like what you said about remembering the concept of "layaway." I needed to hear that. Right now while I am slowly working to pay off my student loans, Rom 13:8 is my verse: Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.
I've also come to realize this week that as a child of God, I already possess what everyone seems to be after--fame, fortune, and happiness. The King of the Universe knows my name; I am famous. I am an heir to the glorious riches of my Father God; I am content. God Almighty loved me so much He sent His Son to die in my place; I am full of joy and thanksgiving.
What more could I need?
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