God's Economy by Jeff Bills

For a long time now our economy has been built on debt led by financial institutions that allowed people to borrow more than they could reasonably afford to repay. By the end, playing on people’s greed was not even subtle. In one recent ad for Chase Bank, a guy has been given permission by his wife to buy a new TV, and as he stands before the largest flat screen set, a song by the band Queen declares, “I want it all, I want it all, I want it all …and I want it now!” Banks, mortgage companies, and the ubiquitous credit-card industry were anxious to support this unsustainable approach to personal finance. Debt was bundled into sophisticated-sounding investment tools that were then sold and insured by respected companies around the world. Building an economy on debt is like building a house in a flood plain: The question is not “if” a flood will come but “when. It appears the flood has come.

The Bible has a great deal to say about finances. Unfortunately, Biblical wisdom has been viewed by many as old school, outdated, or just plain wrong. The Bible warns against debt, encourages thrift, and requires generosity. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, described the Biblical approach to personal finance this way: “Earn all that you can, save all that you can, give all that you can.” A year ago this counsel may have sounded quaint; today, in light of all that is happening, it sounds revolutionary.

In these uncertain and challenging times it is more important than ever for the Ecclesia Tribe (the Church) to draw together to pray for and provide ministry to those who are struggling.

The world of the generous gets larger and larger;
the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
those who help others are helped (Proverbs 11:24-25).