Christians and the Credit Crunch

Reading: Genesis 41:14-40

Introduction: In the days of the patriarch Joseph there was a famine in the land of Egypt. As the world moves deeper into the first years of the twenty-first century, it would appear that a recession or ‘credit crunch’ has come upon the economic world. Let’s consider how Christians should respond and behave during a recession, filling up the three jars marked “Give”, “Spend” and “Save” with finance.

1. Work
To generate wealth will always take work. During the years of plenty, it was hard work to collect the abundant food and store it in the cities. Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” Paul who wrote, “We work hard with our own hands” (1 Corinthians 4:12) had a strong work ethic. He said, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). During financial difficulty, it is not inappropriate for Christians to ask God to help them find work; either additional work or more lucrative, that the needs of the family might be met.

2. Budget
Part of Joseph’s task during the great famine of Egypt was to ration the supplies in order to sustain the nation through its difficult season. We would use the word “budget” today. Jesus referred to this principle in Luke 14:28-30. He said, "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'” So
Christians should seek to live within their means, whether in good times or in bad.

3. Pay off Debts
Being in debt has become a way of life in the Western world and, while the Bible is not against borrowing or lending money (Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 28:12), it is clearly something that can become very costly. The Bible says, “the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7) and that the only debt that should remain outstanding is to love people (Romans 13:8). Ignoring debt is foolish – pay it off!

4. Save
Saving was the clear plan that the Holy Spirit gave to Joseph for the Egyptian famine. The other nations who had not saved during the abundance fell into need (Genesis 42:1-2). God’s solution to the famine was not to make miraculous provision (like the manna or the feeding of the five thousand) but rather to give people the wisdom to save! Proverbs 21:20 says, “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Agur commends ants for being smart enough to store their food (Proverbs 30:25). Saving money for a rainy day is not a lack of faith but the appliance of biblical wisdom. Even if it is only a small amount, be sure to build the principle of saving money into your budget.

5. Give
Mark 12:41-44 tells the story of the widow who gave to God even though she was struggling. This inspiring principle of giving according to one’s ability (2 Corinthians 8:12) also finds its wisdom in the Proverbs (see especially 3:9). Joseph was generous with his brothers and returned the silver to their sacks (Genesis 42:25). Heaven does not experience recession and “whatever a man sows that also he shall reap” (2 Corinthians 9:6) in due season. We must never neglect to give to the Kingdom of God and to those who are in need. To do so ensures that we can draw upon the “heavenly riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

6. Learn Contentment

This was Paul’s experience in Philippians 4:11-12. To be grateful and content for what we have, whether we believe we are rich or poor, is worth more than gold and silver! Christians should seek this contentment. To always desire more is to always be poor, whatever our bank account may be saying. The man or woman who is happy and content with what they have is a true millionaire