Economic Mess --What should we do?

I believe we will see double digit inflation very soon. I'm no economist nor a prophet, but it doesn't take that to see that devaluing currency will cause it to buy less, and that equals inflation.

I'm old enough to remember the Carter years and remember how the prices can fly up on everything. I also can remember the double digit interest rates on everything. Jobs might get scarce for some, and raises hard to come by for most.

So, what should we Christians do? I'm not here to give the advice of an investor. But here is the advice of a pastor:

1. Be prepared to be generous. In a time when people are frightened, they want to hold tighter to what they have. At the same time, we are more likely to meet friends, neighbors, and families in need. God would have us share what He gives us with one another, and be all the more open-handed with what we have. This is an opportunity to relieve some stress and fear by the simple act of sharing. Neighbor to neighbor, friend to friend, if we have two, let us give to the one who has none.

2. Plant a big garden if you have the room. Many of us are blessed with room for a garden. Plant foods that you like eat. Can them. Share them with one another. We are not yet to the point where we must live off of our gardens, but we might find that relief in our food budgets goes a long way. It also allows us to minister to others.

3. Do not fear. Search out God's advice on how to handle what you own, be generous, trust Him. He has a future in His hands. Remember, He said that if we have food and clothing we can be content. And we can, even if we have never tested this personally.

4. Don't trust in Egypt. Every time Israel got themselves in trouble with other nations, God's solution was to turn back to Him in repentance, trust in Him, call on Him, and wait for Him to save them, no matter how bad the situation looked. Instead of this, on several occasions they would run to Egypt where there were promises of wealth, and armies to give safety. This never worked. Don't believe the promises of politicians and governments that salvation from the dangers in our financial world will be given to you cheaply and by government. The opposite is true. The promises will fail, and slavery in varied and subtle forms, will be the result.

5. Pray, rejoice, and preach the gospel to the lost. Our God is indeed mighty to save. He has a plan bigger than this world. When He returns and sets up His government, all these other troubles will be gone. Tell the world this. Invite people to come to Him so that they can escape this grind one day too.