Finding a Blessing in the Recession

The downturn of the stock market has been making headline news almost daily. Almost every sector has taken a hit. Unemployment is high and consumer spending is low. People are losing their homes in almost every neighborhood. Many financial experts have weighed in on the realities of our economic recession. But have you also noticed the spiritual recession we’re in?

Yes, Christians, it seems as though we are experiencing a serious spiritual recession. The quest for righteousness has taken a significant downturn with people placing more emphasis on “Me first” than “God first.” Morals are at an all-time low—even TV shows and movies targeted to our children have questionable themes and objectionable content. And our adherence to the most basic spiritual principles have fallen dramatically (what ever happened to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”?).

Is there a correlation between our economic problems and our society’s steady spiritual decline? What do we do at a time like this?

Financially speaking, many experts will tell you that a market drop offers a great opportunity to buy stocks. If you’re willing to make a few sacrifices and weather the storm, buying blue-chip stocks at a discount now may have significant return on your investment later. Spiritually speaking, the Bible offers expert advice on what to do in the time of a spiritual recession. In 2 Chronicles 7:13–14, God told Solomon, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Notice that there’s a correlation between the economic and spiritual crises. The land, which was the people’s livelihood, and their ability to stay healthy and make a living were in jeopardy. God commanded the people to “turn from their wicked ways,” indicating that there was a spiritual lack among them. My brothers and sisters in Christ, we must recognize the blessing in the promise that a spiritual renewal helps to bring about economic change. Prosperity starts with the soul.

I’m getting my blessing out of this recession. How about you?