The Financial Crisis

Much can and probably should be said about the current financial crisis that is enveloping our nation and world. Even though gas prices are going down ($2.99/gallon in Plymouth today) the stock market continues its downward plummet, having already lost about a third of its value, compared to where it was just a few long weeks ago.

Presidential candidates offer solutions that are not solutions. They act as if they alone can lead us out of this mess, when of course it is all rhetoric.

I found a couple of biblical quotes that speak, I think, to the current testimony to greed and irresponsible (at the very least) behavior of those who have "been in charge." But let's not forget that we, the American people, have been more than happy to prop up the economy with credit, living beyond our means and building up our debt rather than our savings. Hardly anyone has clean hands.

Ezekiel 22:12 (NLT) "There are hired murderers, loan racketeers, and extortioners everywhere! They never even think of me and my commands, says the Sovereign Lord."

The pain is going to hit everyone, in one way or another. The chickens have, indeed, come home to roost.

But isn't that the way it's supposed to be? When we make mistakes, whether consciously or not, the consequences are ours to bear.

Ezekiel 23:35 (Living) "Because you have forgotten me and turned your backs on me, therefore you must bear the consequence of all your sin."

But this is also a time of opportunity. It is a time when the values and principles of the church, of followers of Jesus, come to the fore and we have the chance to act out the values of hospitality, generosity and community. We now have a God-given opportunity to help our neighbors.

Perhaps this will be the catalyst for a spiritual awakening in America, perhaps even around the world.

As scripture says: 1 Tim. 6:10 (NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Many griefs.

Maybe we will turn from money as our ambition to loving the Lord and following His command to love others.

Maybe we will turn our focus from buying and selling and instead focus on proclaiming the Lord's economy of abundance released through love.

Maybe we will grasp yet another opportunity to live kingdom-focused so that God's will "will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Maybe ...