The Economy: What to Think?

     This may seem like a boring entry. But it's been on my mind. I watch a lot of news and financial reports because Sujeet is interested in all of that. So I watch with him and I have learned a lot over time. And sometimes watching the news or CNBC(financial news channel) can start making you feel worried or gloomy. We had started watching Suze Orman, even though she is quite spunky, but she has had some good tips for building your future and retirement. We hardly see it now because it's not on at the same time it used to be.

     And all this info has to be processed in your mind, and being a Christian also, you have to weigh what you hear against what your faith teaches you. We should not panic. Why? Because we have to know that in the end, God is still God and we have to trust in Him whether times are good or bad. We will never be alone or left deserted even if we have nothing.

     Still, it's important to make wise decisions in finances. The bible shows us that. We are to pay back debts, give to those who are needy, and weigh our decisions(Proverbs 31,Romans 13).

     I don't support the whole "prosperity" teaching that is going around in so many churches. I don't believe every Christian is meant to be rich, or that what you have should at all say how much faith you have(1 Timothy 6). But we are to be wise with whatever it is that we do have, small or large. I have heard people complain in the past about money issues, but then see them spend large amounts of money on things they don't actually need. I don't know if it's the Keeping up with the Joneses thing or something else, but we all are tempted at times to spend beyond our means. Sujeet has really helped me learn financially. He makes a strict budget for us and we know what we spend on every thing. He saves money every month, because he can't imagine not saving. In India, it was a lot easier to save money and it's his mindset that you must save whatever you can, and spend less on the rest of the things. It's hard sometimes to budget tightly, but then you see that you have some savings and you realize it's worth it not to have a new gadget or go out to eat all the time so that you can accumulate that. Still, it's always important to remember that money alone will never truly make anyone happy.

     Many people may not feel any effect yet from what is going on with the economy. If they don't watch the news, hold stock shares,or have a 401(K), it may not be something they even think about. In a way it may be better to not know so much about it, but it's possible that this will really affect everyone, even people who aren't interested in what is going on. Maybe somehow the problem will stop and then we won't need to worry that much, but I am not sure about that.

     Some people think the end of the world is coming because of this economic meltdown. Well people might have thought that during the Great Depression too, and that wasn't the end.

     Words from Jesus Himself:

     "Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
     Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. " 

Luke 12:23-31 (New International Version) 

Luke Chapter 12 is good to read in it's entirety for these times.