Economic Downturn

I wrote myself a note on a piece of scratch paper last night as I watched the news reports of a crumbling stock market and the governmental efforts to protect several faltering companies. Here is, in part, the gist of what I wrote:“

I am so thankful that as I watch our economy being threatened by dishonesty, greed, and mismanagement that I am seeking to invest in a different Kingdom. It is so easy for me to want to gain riches here and to expand my grasp for possessions and properties. But I am thankful that my heart has been gripped and is being gripped by a call toward a heavenly kingdom. A kingdom not made with hands.”

I am reminded of Jesus’ words in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 6:19,20): "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. “ To be honest there are many times that grasping for the things of immediacy are more inviting than the “someday return” of my eternal investments. This is something I wrestle with. It is one of the reasons I am thankful for several of the early commitments that Bonnie and I made together regarding our finances. We have protected ourselves against the lure of the immediate and from, for the most part, my impulsiveness regarding purchases, and the temporal “this is a really good deal.” In the midst of these boundaries that we have, there really is an increasing sense of freedom and, in these days, protection! I don’t think in this life we will ever be totally protected from economic difficulties or even ruin, but the principles of God’s Word are sound. And if nothing else, we are invested and investing for eternity.

Now my big questions is: Do I jump on the downturn and purchase some low priced stock? Do I capitalize now! Honestly the greed monster is still alive in me... So I will pray and talk with Bonnie and see what would be wise and prudent.

Your partner in the gospel,

Pastor Paul