We all were born into a native language, which beyond the finer points of grammar, usually comes to us naturally. As easily as we breathe for most. And so the same for our culture. It’s what we have known for the majority of our lives and is our norm therefore. I was raised in North Carolina in the ‘60’s and 70’s during integration and the height of racial tension during the Civil Rights movement of the day.
I slowly, sometimes imperceptibly changed over the years. It was not until years afterward when I read a book written by a former classmate that I realized how prejudiced I was; and probably still am at times. It’s hard work changing behaviors gained from years of immersion in a culture. The culture was as innocuous to us as the air we breathed. Like the water that a fish lives in- we don’t notice because it’s all we’ve known.
There is no shortage of news on the world’s economy today. Things are tough and may well get tougher for a while. The quickest route to a recovery is for consumers to do what they do best…consume. That’s the culture that we are immersed in; that’s the native language of the average American.
"The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets"(Proverbs 21:20, LB)
I’m a money changer of sorts, and I work in around the temple as much as possible. I’m a Christian, and I am a Financial Advisor. The major difference for me is that I recognize that God has his own economy. It’s not in the news as much. Imagine an economist being quoted as saying:
"If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content" (1 Timothy 6:8)
God in fact knew we would be in this situation and warned us.
"Now these things [Lord’s discipline of Israel- (i.e. the original foreclosure crisis)] happened as examples for us, that we should not crave evil things, as they also craved" (1 Corinthians 10:6)
"He said to them, 'Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions' " (Luke 12:15)
While there is some validity to the demonization of Wall Street during these times, they should be characterized more like drug-pushers than addicts. We are the addicts. Our earthly greed drove the economy to unsustainable levels.
"You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, and you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field (outdoor kitchen) or his male servant (butler) or his female servant (maid), his ox(Hummer) or his donkey(Lexus) or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Deuteronomy 5:21)
The original crisis which was born out of greed and the need to "Keep up with the Joneses" has now reached well beyond to many an "innocent" bystander.
Among the best ways to learn a new language is to go among it’s people- to be immersed in their culture, and almost out of necessity one learns the language to survive. An essential first step is to desire deeply enough to learn, or change.
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36-37)
Motivation enough?! Then seek out this new culture based on God’s economy. For many of us this will mean redefining what Wants are versus Needs. Turn the TV off for this one.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will".
Turn less to God as we would an ATM with prayer as a passcode and set about the hard work of learning a new language.
As a financial advisor I believe in living life abundantly (not necessarily expensively) today and tomorrow- in balance. I encourage the building of wealth and organized management of money. The difference for the Christian is the means, end and purpose for which we save and spend. We are playing the game with much the same set of cards, but our winning hand is different from the one in the World’s rulebook.
"Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (Proverbs 16:3)
"Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God" (1 Timothy 6:17)
While we are to be in the world to reach the lost and in need; we are not to be of the world. I encourage everyone to seek out the resources available, like Financial Peace University, that operate based on God’s Economy. Become equipped and immersed; to renew our minds; to live in contentment and confidence. Then perhaps as visitors in the World’s Economy someone will notice; and we can provide The Answer.
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