Whose Economy?
We’ve sure heard a lot about the economy lately, haven’t we?
It seems like every time we turn around, there are more challenges on the horizon. Several of my friends are out of work right now, and many local businesses are struggling. Retirement and savings accounts, although beginning to climb again, have taken a severe beating. Auto dealers are barely surviving. The housing industry has been hammered relentlessly.
There has been a substantial rise in requests for assistance from agencies such as Salvation Army and community food shelves, and at the same time, donations to these charities have been faltering.
I have a good friend who is an astute businessman. His company has suffered greatly during this recession. Recently, I asked him how business is going, and he made a very insightful observation.
“This whole economy thing has played havoc in many ways. However, I tell people that when you say "the economy” has caused businesses to go under and people to lose their jobs, you’re missing something important. "The Economy" seems like it’s "out there" and there is nothing you can do about it... like you are victims. Everything changes, however, when you say..."MY Economy." When you think in terms of “MY Economy” rather than “The Economy”, then you have to take responsibility for what is happening in your life.”
My friend is absolutely right. It’s much easier to point fingers and make excuses than to take personal responsibility and navigate the challenges and changes we are forced to endure.
Hard economic times are good for us – because they force us to really think about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. It helps us sharpen our focus, and do what we should have been doing all along.
In easy times, we tend to get lazy and sloppy in the way we do manage our lives and businesses. An economic belt-tightening, squeezes out all the fluff.
I’d like to add one more layer of perspective to my friend’s idea of “MY economy.”
The Bible says, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1.) Since that’s the case, it’s helpful for us to take a larger look, and see life from heaven’s perspective: “God’s Economy!”
According to “God’s Economy”, all of our needs will provided according to His riches in glory (Phil 4:19.) We may not get everything we want, or receive what we pray for – but He will meet our needs somehow. (He has promised to meet our NEEDS, not our GREEDS.)
From the perspective of “God’s Economy” we realize that our happiness does not depend on an abundance of things. (Luke 12:15)
In light of ‘God’s Economy” we discover the secret of contentment in every situation. (Phil 4:11)
A downturn in the economy doesn’t have to translate into a downturn in life. When things start looking down, LOOK UP!! That’s where you’ll find the Answer.
For instance, some of the most inspiring hymns and poems ever written were crafted during the depths of the Great Depression.
“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
“According to your faith, it shall be done unto you.” (Mat. 9:29)
It seems like every time we turn around, there are more challenges on the horizon. Several of my friends are out of work right now, and many local businesses are struggling. Retirement and savings accounts, although beginning to climb again, have taken a severe beating. Auto dealers are barely surviving. The housing industry has been hammered relentlessly.
There has been a substantial rise in requests for assistance from agencies such as Salvation Army and community food shelves, and at the same time, donations to these charities have been faltering.
I have a good friend who is an astute businessman. His company has suffered greatly during this recession. Recently, I asked him how business is going, and he made a very insightful observation.
“This whole economy thing has played havoc in many ways. However, I tell people that when you say "the economy” has caused businesses to go under and people to lose their jobs, you’re missing something important. "The Economy" seems like it’s "out there" and there is nothing you can do about it... like you are victims. Everything changes, however, when you say..."MY Economy." When you think in terms of “MY Economy” rather than “The Economy”, then you have to take responsibility for what is happening in your life.”
My friend is absolutely right. It’s much easier to point fingers and make excuses than to take personal responsibility and navigate the challenges and changes we are forced to endure.
Hard economic times are good for us – because they force us to really think about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. It helps us sharpen our focus, and do what we should have been doing all along.
In easy times, we tend to get lazy and sloppy in the way we do manage our lives and businesses. An economic belt-tightening, squeezes out all the fluff.
I’d like to add one more layer of perspective to my friend’s idea of “MY economy.”
The Bible says, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1.) Since that’s the case, it’s helpful for us to take a larger look, and see life from heaven’s perspective: “God’s Economy!”
According to “God’s Economy”, all of our needs will provided according to His riches in glory (Phil 4:19.) We may not get everything we want, or receive what we pray for – but He will meet our needs somehow. (He has promised to meet our NEEDS, not our GREEDS.)
From the perspective of “God’s Economy” we realize that our happiness does not depend on an abundance of things. (Luke 12:15)
In light of ‘God’s Economy” we discover the secret of contentment in every situation. (Phil 4:11)
A downturn in the economy doesn’t have to translate into a downturn in life. When things start looking down, LOOK UP!! That’s where you’ll find the Answer.
For instance, some of the most inspiring hymns and poems ever written were crafted during the depths of the Great Depression.
“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
“According to your faith, it shall be done unto you.” (Mat. 9:29)
Well said Mark! I am with you.
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