Cure for Crises: The Hope Within

I had a conversation today with a friend about the current economic crisis that our country is enduring and the upcoming election. Throughout this seemingly difficult (and in many ways, historic) time, God has continued to remind me of two basic truths. First, we have to live out of and exemplify the hope that is within us. At times like these, it is easy to decry the man-made institutions that we all know are severely flawed. In many respects, it is true that our economic and political systems do not reflect God's heart and intention for humankind. Hopefully none of us are blind to the reality that these world systems thrive upon the principles of wealth equating to power and "might making right." (As one of my favorite teachers, Richard Rohr puts it, our world systems look like pyramids, in which all relationships are eventually defined in terms of superiority (the "elite" at the top of the pyramid) and inferiority (the faceless masses at the bottom of the pyramid), whereas Jesus' system looks like a circle, within which honest human relationships of equality exist, as exemplified in the Trinity.) As much as we are tempted to openly criticize these world systems at every opportunity, God does not call us as believers to subscribe to and perpetuate the "doom and gloom" rhetoric that often defines cycles of economic and political upheaval like our nation is currently facing. Rather than advancing a cynical viewpoint, God calls us to bring His kingdom reign to bear upon our current world systems. This involves seeking real (tangible and intangible) change by imprinting Christ's message of redemption, reconciliation, peace, mercy, justice, love and grace upon every interaction we have with others during these difficult times and filtering our own decisions, both economically and politically, through this lens. Carrying the reign of God into our world does mean choosing to reject the world system of never being satisfied with what we have (e.g., overextending ourselves financially) and defining relationships in terms of what we can get from them (i.e., whom we can exert power and influence over and/or striving to falsely flatter those who possess power over us for our own personal gain). Conversely, I believe we must not "bury our heads in the sand" so as to avoid any semblance of allegiance with our current economic and political systems. I believe God calls us to educate ourselves about these world systems so that we can more effectively bring God's reign to bear upon them. That includes exercising our right to vote our conscience and taking reasonable measures to protect our family's finances in the long-term, i.e., being good stewards with what God has graciously given to us (as opposed to building up our own "storehouses" out of anxiety or distrust of God).

Second, the end result of our struggling should be to further glorify God. Therefore, how we react to "Wall Street's effect on Main Street" in our everyday lives, and the financial struggles it may produce for us in the short-term (or long-term), should ultimately bring glory to our Father. This includes speaking a word of peace, hope, and encouragement into others' lives in the midst of chaotic situations. It also means continuing to be faithful in helping our "neighbor," even when we are unsure of our finances. As the speaker at Mars Hill, Leroy Barber, taught us this weekend, putting others ahead of ourselves means "walking while your neighbor drives your car" (when your neighbor's car breaks down or he can't afford the gas).

Finally, I was led to Psalm 67 this week. Verses 5 through 7 say (in the NKJV), "Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him." I have read an interpretation of these verses which states that the phrase "yield her increase" reflects the coming of God's kingdom as marked by a vast increase in production. But it also speaks to me that in our present life of "Kingdom-dwelling," our praise to God, despite hard times, calls forth the abundance of Creation that God desires to impart to us. Not just in a physical sense, but also the many spiritual blessings and abundance that God longs to give us in relationship with Him. Then God will be glorified in our nation, and our friends, colleagues, and neighbors will long to have the "peace that passes all understanding" that they see in our lives.