Economic Woes

Blue birds, nuthatches, chickadees, Carolina wrens, cardinals, woodpeckers, dove, Eastern towhees, goldfinches, house finches, titmouses (or is it titmice), chirping sparrows, brown thrashers, ... I fill our bird feeders two times during the week. There is a lot of feeding activity in the early morning and late afternoon and sporadic activity during the day. I enjoy relaxing and watching them. Sometimes, they spar over the food. More often they take turns perching on the feeders to grab a bite -- sometimes eating and sometimes gathering returning to their nests.

The Bible tells us to consider them. In Luke 12:24:

Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!

Okay, we do have ravens too. This morning watching the birds, this passage came to mind. In light of the economy, these words take on new relevancy. In times like these, a normal reaction is to hoard or to store up. Certainly, there is an amount of prudence in saving and preparing for the future. However, this passage is addressing anxiety or fear. In this discussion (Luke 12:22-34), Jesus is addressing our normal response to uncertain economic times. Verses 22-26:

... Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. ... Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

We have little control over the economy. This is not an argument against financial management but rather a response of fear or worry. Fear or worry drives us to hoard, to retreat into our cocoon or perhaps even to lash out at others.

This passage follows the story of a rich man who had placed his trust in his wealth (Luke 12:16-21). The man was a very successful farmer who was filling up his storage silos with his harvest, planning for his lavish lifestyle or his retirement. As he admired his economic position, he said, "I’ll sit back and say to myself, 'My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come.'" He had arrived to a point of financial security. His 401K was all set. His investments were growing. ... Then the market crashed! Or, in his case, his life came to an end that evening.

Jesus follows the story of the rich man with a discussion of our worry over our financial situation. He communicates that we have little control over our circumstances. I didn't see this completely until recently. I believed (and still do) in hard work, persistance, prudent financial management, etc. Note that this passage isn't supporting irresponsible living; there are numerous teachings from the Bible regarding hard work, sound financial management, and responsible living. However, this passage is addressing where we place our trust or our motivation.

The latest market conditions show that we can't place our trust in the financial markets nor in our government. Jesus says in his teaching (verse 29-31):

... “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need."

He says that this worry dominates the world. Isn't that true? What are we seeing on the news now ... almost every channel? Note also the keyword NEED. Our perspective has been set by our affluence. We have incredible wealth by the vast majority of the world's standard. This feeling of entitlement drives our fear when we're concerned that our standard of living may vanish before us.

God calls us to seek Him above all else. The last part of this teaching is pretty incredible ... the complete opposite of what we would expect to do during a time of financial hardship (verses 33-34):

“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

Give to those in need?!? We are all storing up treasures. But, what kind? Are your treasures being stored up for yourself out of worry and fear? Or, are you trusting in God? This trust calls us to be hard workers, and sound financial managers so that our needs can be met and so that we can help others in need. If your hearts desire is to bring glory to God, your treasure will be found as you share with others around you.