Like everyone else, I have been watching with increasing alarm the unfolding financial crisis. A post about that is coming up. As children of the living God, what are we to do?
SEEK THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND!
It is not practical advice, but in a way, it is the most practical advice of all. If the economy goes through an earthquake, our adherence to the world’s way of doing things will not deliver us. Our stock portfolio will not deliver us. Our exemplary credit rating will not deliver us. Our customary standard of living will not deliver us, but only the Creator and King of the universe.
As Christians, we sometimes tend to think that where God is concerned, we have already got Him figured out, our sins have been forgiven, and we have spiritually arrived. But when a person sincerely is on their face before God, seeking Him, and asking for the spotlight of His holiness to search out all our sin and unsoundness so that we may repent of it, it is amazing that there is always still something there to make right. Do not fear, for the glorious Lord is ever so gracious and gentle in revealing it, and in leading us in the way that we should go.
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." 1 Peter 4:12-19
In other words, the suffering a Christian endures should not be because of our wrongdoing or foolishness, but because of persecution for the sake of Jesus Christ. Let it not be because of covetousness, with which our society is rife through and through, but let now be the time we settle in our hearts that OBEDIENCE to God and His commandments matters! Then when testing and judgment comes upon us, since we have done what is right, we can with joy entrust our souls to our faithful Creator, who will perform His word and His promises concerning us no matter what is happening in the world.
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