Are we prepared for the recession?

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The news is filled with one story after another about the economic recession. The President and Congress have now passed a second bailout plan to help restore the economy. Tables everywhere are filled with discussions about stocks, unemployment, taxes, tax breaks, economic downturns, foreclosure, bailout, etc. We are surrounded by stories of financial “gloom and doom.”

One recurring theme seems to be, “Were you prepared for the economic hardship?” or “Are you prepared for more economic hardship?” The thought behind the questions obviously are focused on earthly concerns. Can you survive six months or a year of hard times financially? Do you have the savings to get you through a possible period of unemployment? Do you have a stable job? Have you spent and borrowed wisely so you are not in danger of losing your home or other assets?

One wonders what the spiritual applications may be. I’ve witnessed numerous discussions between God’s children about the economy. The majority of the discussion centers on the physical and earthly consequences. I often wonder why we don’t consider the ramifications of these times on the church and on us as individuals. Are we ready for an economic recession as God’s people?

Are we ready to bear the burdens of our brethren?

The principle of burden bearing in Galatians 6 is generally limited in application to spiritual burdens. What about physical burdens? Should we carry that load as well? Paul later wrote, “…as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10, ESV). This passage, in contrast to v.1, is almost always applied to physical things. A true economic recession is no respecter of persons. It will affect God’s people. Are we prepared to help those in need?

The church in Jerusalem provides an excellent model. In Acts 2, the church begins with a massive conversion of three thousand. Many of those were from other countries and elected to remain in Jerusalem with the church. There was an obvious obstacle to that decision-their jobs, homes, and other provisions were not in Jerusalem. The church provided the solution. We see the brethren sold their possessions and provided for those who were in need (Acts 2:45). We see this continue as some donate profits from selling off land to provide for the brethren (Acts 4:36-37; 5:1-10). Benevolent care of widows was present in the early church as well (Acts 6:1-7). The church in Jerusalem cared for each other by bearing their financial burdens. Are we ready to do the same?

Jesus said the world would know us if we loved one another (John 13:34-35). John later wrote that true brotherly love was seen in action, not speech. He specifically asks, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). James compared those who refused to give food and clothing to needy brethren as having dead faith (James 2:14-17).

Are we prepared to assist our needy brethren? If a brother is evicted from his house, will we open our home to him? If a brother loses his job, will we provide for him? If a brother loses his transportation and we have two cars, will we sacrifice personally to allow him the use of one? Even if it means we only have one car? If we have faith and love our brethren, the questions are easily answered.

Are congregations prepared to unite if necessary?

One real consequence of economic hardship is the effect it has on churches. The work of the church is dependent on the collection from the saints. That contribution will go down as times become more difficult. What is the answer to those problems?

Most cities have multiple congregations. Some congregations even meet within minutes of one another. Often the division is not based on doctrinal matters. At times, two congregations exist in close proximity due to personality conflicts. Other instances are merely the result of traditions and history from a time prior to the invention of automobiles where traveling a few miles was more difficult. If true economic hardship causes two works close by to struggle financially, what is the obvious solution? Unity.

Are congregations prepared to settle their personality differences or lay aside their tradition and history to unite for a greater cause? If two works cannot survive because of economic hardship, it is likely one united work could. Certainly there are many questions that might arise from such arrangements concerning property, treasuries, etc. But the questions can easily be handled if we seek God’s counsel and wisdom.

God’s people are to be a united people. Jesus prayed, “…that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also maybe be in us, so that they world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). The world believes we are God’s people when we love one another and are united. When we refuse to seek unity to the extreme of two close works dying out first, have we shown unity?

Are we prepared to receive help?

What if we find ourselves in need? Often brethren refuse to accept benevolent help because of pride. Will we humble ourselves so we can receive the assistance our brethren offer?

Paul commended the Corinthian brethren for assisting those in need (2 Corinthians 8:13-14). He also tells the church at Corinth they may need to receive the same assistance in the future. Paul is simply describing God’s plan for providing for one another. When we find ourselves in need, we need to humble ourselves and accept the help that is offered. We do this for two reasons. First, it is God’s plan. He commands us to provide for one another. Second, it allows our brethren to exercise their faith and show their love for us. Who are we to deny them that opportunity?

Are we prepared to use this opportunity to teach?

People in our communities are suffering and hurting. Many are anxious because the “security” they had in their investments and assets is not as secure as they thought. This is an opportunity for us to show them true eternal security (Matthew 6:19-21; Colossians 3:1-2). What better way is there to demonstrate to others that “This World is Not My Home”? We have an opportunity to share the glorious treasure of heaven with people who are hurting because of the troubles of this world. Are we prepared to share that with them?

Economic hardship shouldn’t be troubling to God’s people. This should not be viewed as a difficult time. We have the opportunity to show our brother love, display our working faith, exercising unity, and teach the lost. Perhaps instead of worrying about the economy we should give thanks for it!

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Tags: benevolence, economic hardship, economy, evangelism, financial, financial planning, financial stress, Obama, politics, prepared, recession, unity