What is the root of the economic mess plaguing our country? Everyone seems to have an answer. The political talking heads says it’s the fault of President Barack Obama or President George W. Bush, the Democrats or the Republicans, or Wall Street executives. The economists say it’s due to the fallout of the mortgage crisis, high oil and gas prices, or the increasing trade deficit. The man-on-the-street points toward a growing national debt and says, “We need to reduce our debt and get our spending under control.”
The Great American Experiment is now 230 years old. We have gone from 13 colonies to 50 states and from millions to trillions in national wealth. No doubt about it, the hand of God’s blessing has been on our country. Yet, what have we done with His blessings?
Our government, along with local businesses, families and churches across the country have managed to take the bounty of God and squander it in prodigal-son-fashion. Instead of being stewards, we have become owners. Instead of being thankful we have demanded more. Instead of managing wisely, we have spent and financed foolishly.
Our money is imprinted with the national motto “In God we trust”. Maybe we ought to change that to “In Money We Trust”. We believe that with enough money we can solve our government’s problems, build a larger congregation, have a happier home, or grow a more profitable business. Really? What about the God factor? A wise King once wrote, “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous [those who trust in God] will flourish like a green leaf” (Proverbs 11:28). Notice, it’s not the possessing of, but trusting in riches that predicts the downfall of people and nations.
Maybe God is strategically working through this financial crisis to humble us so we will turn from trusting in paper and ink and turn to the fortress of Almighty God. May we recognize the error of our ways and receive His gracious healing on our land that is so desperately needed. May He alone be our hope for today.
