I admit it — I don’t understand all the issues surrounding the economic bail-out plan, nor all the factors that led to this crisis (my college economics class was at 7:30 in the morning — not conducive to remembering economic philosophy — and more than 25 years ago!).
I have an opinion — like every good American — but I readily acknowledge that (like virtually every American) I have very little information about the situation and I likely have a flawed understanding of the information I do have.
So if you want an opinion about the economy and the bail-out, don’t ask me.
I do know this: whether the economy is healthy or struggling, whether I personally am living in poverty or wealth, whether we are capitalist, socialist, or communist, my joy is never to be found in what I have or don’t have and my contentment, peace, and trust is never to be based on what I do or do not have.
I can have much and be satisfied; I can have little and be satisfied; I can have it all taken away and be satisfied. This is and always has been the Biblical understanding of economics.
In a commentary published late last week, Al Mohler addresses a number of related issues, including also helping his readers understand this circumstance from an economic and historic perspective. “A Christian View of the Economic Crisis” is a little longer than most of his commentaries, but well worth reading. Here are his final three paragraphs:
This current crisis should also remind Christians that we are not called to be mere economic actors, but stewards. Everything we are, everything we do, and everything we own truly belongs to God and is to be at the disposal of Kingdom purposes. This world is not our home and our treasure is not found here. We are to do all, invest all, own all, purchase all to the glory of God.
Finally, this current economic crisis just might help Christians to focus on another issue — retirement. Where in the Bible are we told to aspire to years and decades of leisure without labor? There is nothing wrong with saving for what the world calls retirement. Indeed, that is just good stewardship. Furthermore, there is nothing wrong with workers enjoying the fruit of their labor. But Christians should think of retirement as an opportunity to be redeployed for Kingdom service.
Today’s crisis in the financial system should not be a threat to the long-term health and vitality of our economic system. There is cause for concern, but no justification for panic. Rather than hit the panic button, spend that energy thinking about how Christians should glorify God in our economic lives. We should watch the developments and debates in Washington and New York with interest, but we should investigate our own hearts with even greater urgency.
Words of Grace 