What has happened to our economy and the stock market?If you have ever ridden a roller coaster, you have some idea of the emotions which have been experienced in recent weeks and months by investors in the stock market.Emotions have gone from thrill, to fear, to panic.Almost all the experts said the market would continue its upward spiral and the end was not sight.Very few predicted that this could happen.They said a crash like 1929 would never happen again.But it did!During a very short span of time, billions of dollars have been lost.For some it was more than they could take.A man in Milwaukee committed suicide because he lost half a million dollars.
So we ask, “What happened?”“Why did this happen?”I do not pretend to have the answers but there are a few things that have been made clear.They should not surprise us because they are taught in the Bible, and this is a good time to remember them:1) Riches can sprout wings overnight and fly away (Proverbs 23:4, 5).You may think you have it all securely in hand, but you don’t.2) If you trust in your riches you are headed for a fall (Proverbs 11:28).How can you tell if you trust in your riches more than in God?By how you are affected when you lose a chunk of your riches.For too many Christians, life consists of getting rich and staying rich.They will hang on to their riches no matter what (I Timothy 6:17).3) Avoid the get-rich-quick schemes (Proverbs 28:22).Greediness and impatience have brought many a Christian grief and financial ruin.
The Bible gives some excellent principles of money management which, if followed, work very well, even if the economy does go to pieces:1) Remember that God owns it all (Psalm 24:1).Therefore you are only a steward of His resources.2) Spend less than you earn and avoid a consumptive lifestyle (I Timothy 6:9).3) Reduce the use of debt, especially when buying depreciating items. 4) Maintain some savings for unforeseen emergencies.Read and study I Chronicles 29:11-14; Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:5; 21:20; 22:7; 24:27; 30:8, 9, 25.
Remember, money, or the lack thereof, will not bring you lasting happiness and fulfillment ultimately.You cannot find security there.See it as a means to the end of serving God and be a good steward of all he entrusts to your care.
Footnote:This article was written in 1987 by Pastor Eldon for a church newsletter.Only minor changes have been made.Please note the timeless relevance of God’s Word.
