How to be Secure in a
Storm
The Financial Tsunami rolled across
the whole world, collapsing banks, insurance companies and security brokerages
with many decades of history, and even confronting some countries with economic
disintegration. This financial storm of the century not only generated
precipitous drops in share prices at the world’s stock exchanges, but also produced
major disruptions to the normal operation and development of commercial enterprises
of every size and nature. Financial experts are predicting that the whole world
will slip into a period of economic depression. If so, we will soon face slowdowns
in every trade, rises in the jobless rate, huge spikes in consumer prices,
higher gasoline prices, stagnant real estate markets, and food shortages etc.
Because of shrinkage in the economy and the uncertain outlook, many people will
feel fearful and worried.
This writer believes that the
Financial Tsunami will have a pronounced effect on everyone. Through the words
of God, I hope to bring you some comfort and encouragement in Christ. First,
please read the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 12, verses 13-34. The teaching of the
Lord can be summarized into the following 3 points:
1.
Do
not desire the world, but put our hope on eternal life. "Watch out! Be on
your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the
abundance of his possessions." (v. 15) Jesus directly exposed the inner
mind of the man who wanted to share his brother’s inheritance. He hadn’t been
bullied, or faced unjust or unrighteous treatment. It was just because he harboured
greedy thoughts and was ignorant about the meaning of life. The rich man in the
parable wasn’t lazy. He knew well how to plan and invest, how to prepare for
the future, and how to enjoy life. Yet all that he had done was for this life
only. The dense rich man was witless about the difference between body and
spirit, the meaning and value of life, who has authority over life, and where
he would go after death etc. By the mercy of God, we have received eternal
life. We should not be like this ignorant rich man and toil only for the world
and the flesh. In fact there is just a thin line between investing to preserve
value and lust for wealth. When share prices tumble, the real motivation in
people’s hearts are exposed.
2.
Do
not worry about our daily needs, but remember firmly that we are the children
of our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ said that we are more valuable than birds
(v. 24), and more long-lived than the grass of the field (v. 28). “You Father knows that you need (all
such things)” (v. 30). He reminds us that our All-knowing Father is well aware
of the daily necessities of our lives. The faithful and loving Father in Heaven
will not forget us. He will take care of us, protect us, and provide us with
what we require. We will sometimes forget God, but God will never forget us. "Can
a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she
has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15). We
should not worry about life’s necessities, and worrying will not help solve any
problems (v.25). Just believe and rely on the promise of God.
3.
Do
not be fearful of meagerness, feebleness and difficult circumstances, but seek to
take hold of and manifest Christ throughout our lives. “But
seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be
afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
(v. 31-32) The Son of God, Jesus Christ, is the ruler of the
Jesus
Christ promised us, who have little faith, saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I
give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be
troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
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