I’ve been resisting the urge to blog about the financial crisis going on in our nation. I have mixed feelings about it, about the attempts by our government to “fix” it, and about our future as democracy based upon free-market capitalism. You might think this is all way out of my league, “after all you’re a pastor – stick to what you know.”
Still I believe *everything* is spiritual.
So, let me begin by saying, my heart goes out to anyone who’s lost work or wealth, home or health over this recession. This is a time to look to the Lord. It is my hope that many people will turn to God, that many of you might increase your commitment to God, and seek God’s kingdom first. This response is never out-of-season(Psalm 1:1-3).
Secondly, I want to give thanks. I thank God for daily provision, for blessings upon our church, for the generosity of good people, for the faith of the unemployed whom I know are enduring day by day. I give thanks for the abundance we still enjoy as Christians, as Americans, even today. I challenge myself to step-up in giving of my resources in this time of crisis.
Next, I’d like to salute our governmental leaders. I think some of them are serious about working toward a solution(please understand that I have little faith in elected officials and am generally suspicious of large bureaucracies). Pray for our leaders(Romans 13:5-6).
As a parent of young children, I am ashamed to think that my generation will saddle the next several generations with national debt that seems beyond our ability to repay.
The current national debt, as of March 2009, is around 11 trillion dollars (your share is about $36,000.oo). Check it out at http://www.usdebtclock.org/
I am continually surprised at how many adults don’t know the difference between the national debt and the budget deficit. Put it this way, the budget deficit gets the headlines (occasionally) and it’s one of the factors that causes the national debt to stack up (endlessly). The reality is that America is increasingly dependent upon foreign investors (China, Saudi Arabia), and I can actually begin to imagine a day in the future when America falls subject to another nation. No, don’t think nuclear Armageddon, but rather accountants and red ink.
One leader I particularly pray for (and admire because of his insight and level-headed leadership) is Fed Chairman, Ben Bernanke. Mr Bernanke has admittedly been angered by poor leadership & greed exhibited by companies like AIG. Also, he challenged us to think of numbers as people: when you read an unemployment number, like 654,000, remember that’s 654,000 people who’s lives are drastically changed.
Finally, let me return to the Lord. The financial news is really a confessional statement (remember, everything is spiritual). America struggles with greed – and it’s unpleasant consequences. There’s no “sugar-coating” it; we’re paying for our irrationally exuberant life-styles. I, too, have guilt and consequences to deal with in my financial house. So, I will face the music, turn to the Lord, tighten my belt, and endeavor to do better: I’m putting God first, paying off debts and saving more.
What about you?
Live Alive,
Pastor Jason
RESOURCES & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I’d like to thank and to lift up the following person, publications & resources I’ve found helpful in researching recent sermons, series, lessons & blogs at MUMC: Rev. A Hamilton, UM Church of the Resurrection; M. Lucado “Just Like Jesus”; B. McLaren, “Secret Message of Jesus”; M. Starbird, “Woman with the Alabastar Jar”; N. Jewison, “Jesus Christ Superstar”; R. Zacharias, “Grand Weaver”