If you have not heard about the current economic crisis that has its grip on the global markets, you must certainly be living with your head in the sand. You cannot escape the constant drum beat of phrases like economic crisis and credit crunch. I don’t want to minimize the problems in our economy or the pain felt by many people who face tough financial times. However, in light of the economic climate it is important to know the real economic danger all of us face.
The real economic danger is not in the experience of poverty or the experience of wealth. The danger is in how you respond to poverty and wealth. Take note of these words in Proverbs 30:7-9, “Two things I asked of You, do not refuse me before I die: keep deception far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion, that I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or that I not be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God.”
I wonder how many of us in these uncertain economic times are willing to pray something like that. The concern of this prayer is not to be spared the difficulties of poverty or to enjoy the comfort of wealth. The concern is to live in such a way that the reputation of God is honored. There are very real dangers to be avoided in poverty and wealth. Poverty poses the dangerous temptation to steal in order to satisfy basic needs. Wealth poses an equally dangerous temptation to deny God by a proud attitude that forgets the true source of all that we have.
I hope that during these uncertain times that you are paying careful attention to the condition of your soul before God. I hope you are deeply concerned that in whatever circumstances you face that God’s name is honored and glorified. Let me challenge you to make this prayer of Proverbs 30:7-9 your own prayer. After all, the greatest treasure does not consist of those material things that we accumulate here on earth. The greatest treasure is, in the words of the apostle Paul, “the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).
Don’t cling to the things which are temporary and passing but set your heart upon the One who can bring you the greatest and most satisfying joy and contentment. Seek God and His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Be ready to give up everything for that exceedingly great Treasure (Matthew 13:44-46).
3 comments:
I wonder if we should read these headlines in light of Haggai 2:7, 21 and Hebrews 12:18-29; how is the economic crisis tied into the way we view our livelihood based on markets. we have never been really poor and so do not know how to handle what real poverty would do. I am thinking about writing about this for the local paper and was curious if you saw any similarities between "shaking heaven and earth" so that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.
I do see a connection to the passages in Hebrews 12 that cite Haggai 2:7. Hebrews 12 applies Haggai's prophecy about the reconstruction of the temple in a much broader manner. The writer of Hebrews pushes us to consider the complete collapse of the whole cosmic order. In terms of the current uncertainties in our economy, I think it is vital to understand that such economic instituions like Wall Street or the Federal Reserve are all among the things that will one day finally give way to the coming Kingdom of God. One day the whole created order will be rolled up like a garment (Hebrews 1:11) and only those things which cannot be shaken will remain. The clear call is for us to build our lives and to place our hopes upon that which will last.
I will submit the article and see if they will run it. I can send you a copy if you would like
Post a Comment