by Charles Miller
Pastor, Lima Baptist Temple, Lima, OH
For months, we have been hearing about the looming “fiscal cliff” — that terrible financial collapse that was to destroy us if Congress failed to address the financial issues of our country.
Once again, it is necessary to remind believers everywhere of what the Bible says: “Our hope is in the Lord.” David bragged about the goodness of the Lord and said, “I have never seen your servant begging for food.” Paul reminded the poor and needy Philippians, “My God will supply every need you have with his riches in glory!”
If our government fails to find a solution for the debt crisis, God is still going to be there on his throne. God is in control. He is in control of this and everything else.
Right now we are all hanging on that fiscal cliff — whatever that really means. And while it may look and feel like we are dangling over destruction and despair, we know that God is really there! God gives directions for avoiding a country’s economic collapse in Genesis 41. Joseph told Pharaoh, “You are going to have seven years of growth and economic prosperity! Unprecedented growth, double-digit profit margins, and low unemployment.” Sounds good … really good.
“Then you will have seven years of depression that will wipe out all of the growth, wealth, and blessing.” That’s bad news.
But Joseph gave a plan to save in the good years so there would be some provision during the depression. What a lesson. I wish our churches would learn to save the plenty for the times of trouble. God’s work deserves top-of-the-line management and financial accountability.
Even more, we should personally learn those principles. We must not get caught up in consumerism and materialism. We must not mortgage our future because we lack the discipline to do without until we can save up the money. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”
I do not believe it is always wrong to borrow money. I do believe it is wrong to assume a mortgage you cannot afford, two loans on vehicles you really cannot afford, and maxed out credit cards. If you live this way, you aren’t working for God or yourself. You are a slave.
Here are a few observations that can help you survive your own fiscal cliffs:
1. Believe that God provides
Do you trust the Lord? If the answer is yes, then you will not be overcome with worry and fear. Trust the Lord. Every one of us depends on the Lord for all that we have. Times like these simply remind us of that.
Maybe times like these are intended to bring us back. Here we are —fat and happy — and we forget about God and his purpose for our lives. I don’t mind the shake up and the wake up … it reminds me to look up.
2. Exercise discipline
Proverbs 21:20 declares: “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”
This verse isn’t about rich and poor people. It is about wise and foolish people. Financial issues are rooted in spiritual issues. Jesus said, “Your heart follows your money.”
Overspending and overextending is simply a symptom of an undisciplined life. An undisciplined life leads to more than overspending and debt. An undisciplined life leads to apathy, misdirection, and — eventually — sin. Be wise, and restrain yourself. Do not be foolish and blow all that you have.
3. Spend wisely
Tithe. Provide the basic necessities. Use a coupon. Drive your used car longer. Remodel instead of relocating. Be wise. Do you really need what you are about to purchase? Will your purchase bring glory to God? Is this a decision a wise person would make?
4. Save
This is not only a dead art in America — it has become an artifact. Five years from now they ought to place a piggy bank in the Smithsonian to remind us all of the ancient ritual of our primitive ancestors who saved money and paid cash.
You can do better for yourself, your family, and God. Learn to save money. Don’t hoard it — God doesn’t like that either — but save.
Joseph told Pharaoh to save for seven years in order to meet the needs of the next lean seven years. What would America look like if our government had spent wisely and saved? What would your life look like —what would it feel like — if you spent wisely and saved?
5. Share
God’s plan to bless and save Egypt was not about Egypt. It was about God’s chosen people. God designed this plan to use Egypt to save other people.
We do not follow God’s plans for our finances simply to provide stability and wealth for ourselves. God asks us to share. God asks us to be givers. The simple truth is this: if I am stuck in debt, I am unable to share and give like I want to. When I follow God’s plan, I have my needs met, and I can support God’s church and help others who really have been affected by circumstances outside of their control.
I am not sure what your position is on helping and needing help. Mine is this: I want to be someone who spends wisely and saves so I can give and share. Giving and sharing is an amazing way to help meet needs and transform lives.