Hard Times

The current economic conditions have affected many people worldwide. Even though the news reports that conditions are improving, there are still lots of people who are unemployed and struggling to make it from day to day. Because of these conditions people are increasingly turning to corrupt politicians and the wealthy of this world for deliverance. The Holy Bible reminds us that whether we are rich or poor, it is our righteousness that will sustain us.

Proverbs 28:6   Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

James 2:5   Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Many people have also turned to religion as a safe haven, where “feel good” sermons such as, prosperity teachings are taught. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did not teach lessons on spiritual debt cancellation, and the like, but rather the following.

Luke 12:15   And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Also: 

Matthew 6:31   Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Matthew 6:32   (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Matthew 6:33   But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

There is only one way to seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and that is by applying the commandments of the Bible as taught by Jesus Christ. In abstaining from the sins of fornication, adultery, idolatry and hatred, we will find ourselves in the favor of the Heavenly Father who provides for all of our necessities.

Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

In other situations some people turn to alcohol or drugs use to escape their worries. These carnal solutions only provide temporary release to the flesh. The scriptures explain that instead of being filled with wine, we must be filled with the spirit of Christ.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Relationships
 

In a marriage it is very easy for husbands and wives to get into arguments about financial issues. If one of them or both of them become unemployed, this only adds fuel to the fire. Financial burdens can sometimes lead to domestic abuse as the husband may become bitter against his wife. Likewise women forced into situations where they are the primary source of income often become belligerent, indignant and attempt to emasculate their partner. The bible gives us guidance on how a husband and wife ought to deal in his marriage, no matter what the circumstance.

1Peter 3:7  Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Col 3:19 Husbands, love [your] wives, and be not bitter against them.

The husband is commanded to love his wife and to honor her. He cannot let financial problems make him bitter against his wife – who is his joint heir to the Kingdom of Heaven.

The scriptures also speak of the responsibility of the wife:

Proverbs 31:13   She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
Proverbs 31:14   She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
Proverbs 31:15   She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

In tough financial times it is even more important for the wife to maintain her household, but more importantly she must continue to honor her husband and her Lord Jesus Christ.

Responsibility of the Church

Despite the phenomenal wealth that is amassed annually by so-called mega-churches, there are still many poor in the surrounding communities. Some of these less fortunate individuals are actually members of these churches who give their last cent in the form of tithes and offerings to Pastors who refuse to give in return. The scriptures clearly outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Church in the care of those who cannot care for themselves.

James 2:15   If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
James 2:16   And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

Also:

Acts 4:34   Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
Acts 4:35   And laid [them] down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

The time has come for those who claim to be servants of Christ to follow the examples of Christ by living a life in service to others instead of only serving themselves.

For those who are currently being affected by the failing economy, we sincerely hope that the scriptures will provide you with a degree of comfort. Through faith we understand that our patience and longsuffering will be rewarded.  For those who are blessed with employment and stability during these times, remember to exercise patience and the love of Christ to your neighbor.

Galatians 6:10   As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.