The media are telling us that the U. S. economy is in bad shape, and there is good reason to believe that things will get worse. Since the various parts of the U. S. economy are so interdependent, the problems with the real estate bubble bursting and the problems with the banking industry are being spread throughout all commerce in the nation. A great number of layoffs have been made, and many more will probably occur as the problems continue spreading throughout business in the U. S. and the rest of the world.
As a result, many Americans are spending less money - including those who still have jobs, even those whose jobs are at least fairly secure. They're hoping to save money, or at least not obtain more financial obligations, so that they can weather the tough times to come. This is very wise, although it will result in fewer purchases being made, which will slow down the U. S. economy even further.
I'm not an economics expert, although I have a great deal of training in mathematics and have published mathematics related to economics. But, as someone who is mostly an amateur in these areas, I believe the days of the U. S. being the only financial superpower in the world are over. This factor, along with the items mentioned in the paragraphs above, I think is going to cause American citizens to need to get used to having less.
But, I believe this is a blessing in disguise! We've gotten too attached to our money and possessions, and gotten away from the things that are really important. We need to go back to what the Bible teaches about materialism:
"And he [Jesus] told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, 'You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.' ' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." -Luke 12:16-21
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." -I Timothy 6:6-10
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:19-21
"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." -Philippians 4:11a-12
God would not mislead you. You really will be happier with less stuff. Don't think about what you want - be thankful to God for what you have. And concentrate on the things that are really important: love, compassion, humility, forgiveness, friendship, prayer, Bible study, nature - they're all free!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
President-Elect Obama
The United States will have a new president in January (if you haven't heard already...). One of the things that makes our nation great is that we have peaceful elections in which American citizens choose their own leader, and President-elect Obama has emerged as the choice of the American people. Another thing that makes our nation great is the peaceful change of governments. President Bush and his staff will depart quietly, and graciously hand the reins to the people's new choice.
You might not have supported Obama in the Presidential election. Almost half of the voters voted for McCain, including me. But, now that the decision has been made, all Americans should rally behind Obama and give him our full support. He will be our President, the President of the U. S. A., and no longer simply a leader of the Democratic party. He's intelligent and full of energy, and from all reports, a moral, Christian family man. I think he has some special skills to bring to the nation's current needs:
1. It's becoming increasingly clear that there is a great disparity between the rich and poor in the U. S., and also becoming clear that some of the richest have taken unreasonable advantage of their good fortune. CEO's continue to draw exorbitant salaries, even when their companies are doing poorly and laying off their long-time employees. Sports figures and entertainers draw huge salaries disproportionate to their contribution to society. Elderly people are having to do without medications to make ends meet. I think Obama realizes these things and will address these problems.
2. As the rest of the world continues to catch up with the United States in economic power, we will find that we will no longer be able to use our might to force other countries to do the right thing. An alternate approach is needed, and I think Obama might be able to find it.
3. Despite huge strides toward racial equality in this nation, there is still a great deal of racial resentment. I think Obama will help heal that. Hopefully, as a result, crime rates will go down.
The Bible makes it clear that God wants us to submit to our government leaders:
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." -Hebrews 13:17
"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." -Titus 3:1-2
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." -Romans 13:1
Pray for President-elect Obama. He has a tough job in front of him, probably the most stressful job in the world. If he is successful, all of the U. S. will reap the benefits.
You might not have supported Obama in the Presidential election. Almost half of the voters voted for McCain, including me. But, now that the decision has been made, all Americans should rally behind Obama and give him our full support. He will be our President, the President of the U. S. A., and no longer simply a leader of the Democratic party. He's intelligent and full of energy, and from all reports, a moral, Christian family man. I think he has some special skills to bring to the nation's current needs:
1. It's becoming increasingly clear that there is a great disparity between the rich and poor in the U. S., and also becoming clear that some of the richest have taken unreasonable advantage of their good fortune. CEO's continue to draw exorbitant salaries, even when their companies are doing poorly and laying off their long-time employees. Sports figures and entertainers draw huge salaries disproportionate to their contribution to society. Elderly people are having to do without medications to make ends meet. I think Obama realizes these things and will address these problems.
2. As the rest of the world continues to catch up with the United States in economic power, we will find that we will no longer be able to use our might to force other countries to do the right thing. An alternate approach is needed, and I think Obama might be able to find it.
3. Despite huge strides toward racial equality in this nation, there is still a great deal of racial resentment. I think Obama will help heal that. Hopefully, as a result, crime rates will go down.
The Bible makes it clear that God wants us to submit to our government leaders:
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." -Hebrews 13:17
"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." -Titus 3:1-2
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." -Romans 13:1
Pray for President-elect Obama. He has a tough job in front of him, probably the most stressful job in the world. If he is successful, all of the U. S. will reap the benefits.
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