Economic Uncertainty – 1 of 2
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2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” - KJV
I have wanted to throw out my “spiritual perspective” on the current economic state we find ourselves in but have waited to hear other people’s thoughts and perspectives before I did blog about it. Not that “other people’s perspectives” are going to change what I feel and know … but just to get a feel for the pulse of the people, if you will… And I have decided I shall hold my tongue no longer.
From the conversations I have had over the last couple months I see that there are people on the extremes of both sides; One extreme is seeing the end of the world as we know it…. A total collapse of the economy … they see only doom and gloom … they talk much of a repeat of the Great Depression of the 30’s. Then on the other extreme people have no concern for the current state of our economy, a flippant "I don't care" attitude, sloughing it off like a mere gas bubble you get after eating a chili-dog. I believe both extremes are missing it!
I have wanted to throw out my “spiritual perspective” on the current economic state we find ourselves in but have waited to hear other people’s thoughts and perspectives before I did blog about it. Not that “other people’s perspectives” are going to change what I feel and know … but just to get a feel for the pulse of the people, if you will… And I have decided I shall hold my tongue no longer.
From the conversations I have had over the last couple months I see that there are people on the extremes of both sides; One extreme is seeing the end of the world as we know it…. A total collapse of the economy … they see only doom and gloom … they talk much of a repeat of the Great Depression of the 30’s. Then on the other extreme people have no concern for the current state of our economy, a flippant "I don't care" attitude, sloughing it off like a mere gas bubble you get after eating a chili-dog. I believe both extremes are missing it!
Now, as always I welcome your comments BUT I want to say, I am aware that this is VERY real and people are being affected in a very real way; loss of employment, your 401K is now a 201K, retirement is gone, lay offs, down sizing, business is slowing down and even stopping all together. I get it, I watch the news and hear what is going on and it is real.
But here is the deal, as a pastor, a teacher of God’s word I feel obligated, actually called by God to be a voice of God for not only our local church body (Mercy Church) but for our nation … just as the prophets of old we see throughout scripture.
I would echo Dave Ramsey’s words when asked recently about the current economy, “What should we do?” he said, “Just Breathe”.
Here is what I do know – God has not given us a spirit of fear, and that is what I see running rampant right now. People are scared! I know how they feel!
I recently had a brief moment to watch CNN or one of the news channels and within a few minutes I felt short of breath, and felt compelled to take all my money out of the bank and stuff it in my matress, and buy a bunker in the mountains of Montana. Then the spirit of the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “do not fear, for I am with you…” Then as I reflected on what I was experiencing it was a “spirit of fear”. And I know scripture well enough to know that fear isn’t from God! Nothing wrong with a “healthy concern” … but there is a HUGE difference between the two! Fear makes you do some nutty things!
Example: Fear of driving a car keeps you from being in a car. A healthy concern about driving leads you to wear your seat belt and be attentive. HUGE difference!
I will blog more next week about this topic …
I leave you with this:
Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
