Thriving In A Crisis Economy
Published: April 08, 2009
Now that the U.S. economic crisis has contributed to a global recession, many wonder if life will ever be the same. I sure hope not! We did not get into this situation by accident, or bad karma. Nor is this the judgment of God, which most prophets of doom declare at the mention of bad news.
Instead, this crisis is the consequence of violating certain principals that govern the creation, accumulation and perpetuation of wealth. Like the law of gravity, God has woven into the fabric of life specific laws that govern wealth. Violate them, and sudden economic disaster is imminent.
Hopefully, we're learning who Not to call during this crisis. Ever wonder what happened to all the financial professionals, economists, forecasters, bankers and brokers? Many top "experts" have instructed individuals to remove their money from investments and put it under their pillows-as if "hoarding" is a viable solution for any financial problem.
And let's be honest, turning to the government for financial wisdom is like another sequel to "Dumb and Dumber." When words like "stimulus" and "bailout" are used in any proposed economic strategy, the long-term impact is not promising. These two strategies are in direct opposition to each other. It's like a sinking sailboat trying to catch a good headwind, when there are obvious holes needing to be patched.
Wall Street and the government have left Americans short on answers and long on questions. Many families are asking,:How long is this crisis going to last? How do I prepare myself for an uncertain future? Those of the faith are wondering: Is there a difference for faithful believers in Christ?
I must remind you that Jesus warned us that ".... the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike (Matt. 5:45)." However, God always gives believers an advantage in every circumstance, including finances..
Sadly, believers have been ill-equipped for financial success. For the most part, we have "trusted the experts" at the neglect of personal fiscal responsibility and proper financial education.
We live in a time when economics is not part of Church teaching or curriculum. Finance has been over-spiritualized and limited to giving and receiving. This is true even at the Seminary level. Students graduate from Bible College having learned nothing about budgets, markets, cash flow, economics, interests rates, balance sheets, or banking. The subject of acquiring, creating and managing wealth is largely ignored.
For the most part we have been "catching up" rather then, like the Jews, "setting the pace."
The Crucial Role of Finance in Education
"The church must teach or die," is an old adage that reminds us that the Christian faith may always be only one generation away from extinction. In its ministry of education, a congregation is able to fulfill its scriptural commission to teach people in this generation the understandings, traditions, faith, and lifestyles of the Christian community (Matthew 28:19-20).
The destruction or success of a nation can be found in its educational system. Today, there is a silent war being waged over the minds of the emerging generation, and it's never been more important for local churches to teach people the biblical worldview and lifestyle.
The study of the accumulation and distribution of wealth plays a vital role in the quality and direction of education. How important is education to national security and survival? A recent news article reported "Billions Spent by Saudi Royal Family to Spread Islam to Every Corner of the Earth."
The March 1, 2002 edition of the Saudi government English weekly Ain Al-Yaqeen extensively detailed the Saudi royal family's efforts to spread Wahabi (Islam) throughout the world. Recently, Harvard and Georgetown Universities each received $20 million from a member of the Saudi Royal Family, Prince Alwaleed bin Tala, the richest man in the Muslim world. What's the Prince's motive? To establish strong seats in prominent American universities to help advance an Islamic Agenda through education. It is no coincidence that Islam is the fastest growing religion on college campuses.
The implementation of strong Christian education can only be accomplished through biblically based curricula and church-governed schools. Most importantly, strategies of wealth creation and distribution must be developed to assist Christian schools to survive and thrive.
Financial education remains at the core of Kingdom enterprise in the world. As Solomon states, "money answereth all things" (Eccl. 10:19).
Jews, Education & Finance
As a church begins to shift from economic experts, leaders might ask, "Where do we turn to for guidance, and what model can we follow?" The answer may not be far from our Judeo-Christian roots.
For centuries the Jewish people have provided the world with an example of God's faithfulness and provision. You cannot be a serious student of the Bible without acknowledging the relationship between God and His beloved people - the Jews. The biblical principals given to the Jews continue to be applicable to the believer today. Scripture after scripture demonstrates the validity of applying the wisdom given by God to Israel. God provided Israel with patterns, principles and strategies to elevate their power and influence amongst diverse nations.
What makes Jewish history so amazing is that the Jewish people didn't always experience success, prosperity and wealth. They've been dismantled as a nation, pillaged and robbed by the world, persecuted, killed, and trampled underfoot throughout Europe. They've suffered poverty and shame. They were a people without a country for more than three thousand years. Yet, wherever they sojourned they prospered and flourished. The Jews possess promises from God for success, influence, wealth, and riches.
It's amazing that in every situation and climate, the Jews flourished. They started businesses, erected factories, and pioneered capitalism in foreign lands. They started in the ghettoes, yet rose to the upper class in each nation. Sadly, once the Jews helped these nations prosper, they were asked to leave, and many times forced out.
Was this a coincidence? Were the Jews merely lucky when it came to prosperity? I believe not. In every nation where Jews resided they rose to positions of influence and power within the judicial systems, executive offices and legislative branches of governments. Though they were in the minority, they outmatched the majority due too their intelligence, innovation, industry and spirituality.
Today, Christians are facing panic and fear, wondering if they will survive this unstable time, while at the same time Jews are praising God for the opportunity to thrive during this economic crisis, as they have done in previous periods. What is it that causes Jews to flourish in troubled economies? Could it be they know how to utilize biblical strategies to prepare for every circumstance?
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Thriving In A Crisis Economy
Published: April 08, 2009
Discover why as believers, today's economy should not scare us at all.
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