Thriving In A Crisis Economy - Continued
Published: April 08, 2009
The Biblical Pattern of Cycles
I want to unfold the most important pattern in the Bible concerning success, productivity, and increase. It is so fundamental God interwove this pattern into every aspect of Jewish life. It has shaped the Jewish perspective on finance since the creation of the Torah. Jews throughout the world have used it to succeed in all economic endeavors, no matter what the financial climate. This pattern is a central component of their financial education.
First, consider that the majority of the Bible is written by Jews and uses manners and customs supported by Jewish thought. Jesus himself was a Rabbi, and the Apostle Paul-a former Pharisee-instructs believers, let the mind of Christ be in you (Phil. 2:5). What kind of mind was in Christ? Definitely, it is a mind shaped and influenced by Jewish manners, customs and theology. Without an in-depth understanding of this viewpoint, much is lost or, worse, misinterpreted.
Jewish thinking differs from Western thought. The Western (Gentile) mindset is based upon linear progression. It begins at one point in time and progresses in a straight line towards the future. Very little value is placed on the past or future. The major emphasis of this type of thinking is on the "Now."
In comparison, the Jewish mindset is cyclical in nature. Time is continually repeating itself. The patterns of cycles are woven throughout the entirety of Jewish life. There are cycles of the Sabbaths, cycles of feast days, cycles of festivals, cycles of New Moons, cycles of new years, cycles of Jubilee and cycles of Torah reading. This is the basis of the cornerstone Jewish teaching from birth to death, "The Cycle of Life."
We find cycles embedded within creation - making it a pattern for life itself. Perhaps the best- known verse that speaks of cycles is found in Genesis 8:22,
While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
This scripture informs us that while the earth remains in the form in which it was created it will experience seedtime and harvest. More important, this cycle will not cease! To fail to understand this pattern is to encounter continual difficulty. Agriculture in the Bible is a reference to economic productivity. The Jews understand this verse to instruct that everything in life has cycles, including markets, economies, people, relationships, and political environments are going to change.
Yes, life is lived in cycles. Throughout history, one thing has remained constant, and that is change. You cannot alter the seasons or their timing - you must adjust to them. Congress and Wall Street are attempting to stop a natural cycle of retraction from taking place. This bailout will prove to be the most costly mistake in U.S. history.
The most our government can salvage is delaying the inevitable. The bailout is based on linear thinking which is willing to sacrifice our future security and prosperity on maintaining our current lifestyles.
People get into trouble because they live and operate on the assumption that their current economic situation will never change.
Individuals and organizations that will survive economic downturns are those that realize everything is subject to change. Those that will experience sustainable success are those that respond to the changing market. They become flexible and adapt their businesses, product lines or employment to the current trend.
We see this within the fast-food market. It was once labeled the catalyst for obesity in America, but has now added calorie-friendly menus featuring everything from salad bars to healthy desserts. Those that will experience compounded success are those that anticipate the change and position themselves ahead of the curve.
This is exactly were the Jews have been educated to be. Being able to anticipate the market provides a tremendous advantage. Clothing stores buy winter jackets at wholesale in the hot summer; and below-cost bathing suits in the cold winter to resell at a premium to consumers who need it now.
This is an opportune time to buy undervalued stocks, underpriced real estate, or to change vocations or employment to future industries such as green, energy and education.
Today, while economists and so-called government experts are baffled, confounded and confused by the global economic crisis, many Jews are harvesting an economic windfall. They expect cycles of expansion and cycles of contraction. They know well the story of Joseph and how he advised Pharaoh to store up grain for seven years in a time of plenty so that they would have provision in a time of lack. The key difference is they are not surprised by the current economic crisis. They have been prepared because they were taught to anticipate this circumstance long before the signs became apparent.
This type of financial education is needed in the church. With millions of Americans faced with economic trouble, the Church must be a light with answers.
John Louis Muratori is a recognized authority in organizational management and strategic planning, advising numerous agencies including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Mental Health. John has lectured in some of the most prestigious venues, including Yale University. John is the author of several books including the recent national best seller, Rich Church Poor Church.
Copyright © 2008 John Muratori. All rights reserved.
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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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