Christian Living
No one has put a name to it yet, so I will: The Great Recession.
Perhaps like you, my family and I are in worse shape than we’ve ever been. I’ve heard these descriptions from ground level: “Business is off forty percent, and after I pay my rent and employees, I have no money left.” “Tomorrow is my last day of work—our whole office is being shut down.” “We lost our house, and we’re moving to an apartment.” “We just got a pay cut and we’ll have to take two unpaid days off a month.” “My job is up for review in two weeks, and the agency is cutting everywhere.”
I hate it—yet I don’t. The recession is the painful cure for the overextended materialistic binge our whole country, and much of the world, has been on for too long. It was inevitable. And, sadly, we needed it. My condolences to those of us who behaved themselves and did not overextend, yet still have to pay.
What we do with all this is not inevitable. Though financial choices are endless, one choice—usually overlooked—stands out with singular clarity. And it addresses the core issue of why we collectively got into this mess in the first place: the condition of our souls.
Poverty of soul is the starting point for nearly everything we do that’s bad for us, that overextends our ability to pay, that causes regret. When we’re willing to walk the path, poverty of the pocketbook is a road to richness of soul.
The bad economy offers us deals for the soul that we probably don’t like—but are good for us. Here are three:
First, the painful truth is that the worst thing for our material happiness is often the best thing for our souls. When wealth or comfort or security is ripped out of our hands, we are forced to look elsewhere. Remember God? Now is the time to pay more attention to him, maybe take him seriously. Check out his book, it’s got tons of promises.
Second, desperation leads to spiritual hunger. Spiritual hunger is the key factor in drawing close to God. Imagine a passionate, joyful, intimate connection with God—one in which prayers get answered because you’re praying in line with how he leads, one in which your very life transforms. Yes, it is possible.
Third, hard times force us to do what we probably should have done earlier: simplify our lives. A simplified life is essential to a rich soul. We can still be happy in a small house. A car purchase does not have to be new. Clothes can last at least a year longer. Eating at home is not only cheaper but often healthier than eating out. And that’s just the stuff we buy. If we stop trying to do everything that crowds every minute of our lives, we just might find enough time to live, to practice being alive and connected to God, rather than always do, do, do.
The Great Recession is a painful medicine—one we’ll be wise to take.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
This is so relevant for today. Thanks for writing this!
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 796 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Peter Lundell or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 796 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.