As a pastor and follower of Jesus, the teachings of the Bible and the initiatives of Christ are constantly re-formatting my lifestyle, calling me to leave behind the errant ways of my past so that I might live more authentically, more passionately and more faithfully.

Now we are experiencing not only a market correction, but we are at the uncomfortable beginning of a culture correction. While much of our discomfort is caused by the symptoms ”market volatility, unemployment, personal and corporate budget reductions ”at some point we must deal with the root of the problem. Dr. Vance Havner once asked, “What good is it to keep tearing down the web if you’re going to do nothing about the spider?”

My pastoral observations are somewhat naïve and certainly lack the expertise of an economist or a sociologist, but from where I sit, the following concerns seem conspicuously obvious:

Many have adopted unattainable or unsustainable standard-of-living goals, goals that are often incongruent with an individual’s faith, values and productivity.

Many are experiencing great distress and anxiety as a result of the quest to achieve their desirable standard of living by utilizing excessive credit transactions. This personal crunch disrupts families and ultimately contributes to the overall corporate crisis.

Many feel trapped and hopeless in their personal financial dilemma or in their current business venture or vocation.

I propose that a quick return to market normalcy, continued access to easy credit and continued lifestyles of accumulation and acquisition ”factors that might relieve the tension of the moment ”actually only postpone the inevitable. We must adopt life goals and management strategies that enable us to live life with meaning and purpose, and embrace a way of life that minimizes anxiety, elevates passion and enhances relationships.

As a pastor and follower of Jesus, the teachings of the Bible and the initiatives of Christ are constantly re-formatting my lifestyle, calling me to leave behind the errant ways of my past so that I might live more authentically, more passionately and more faithfully. As I reflect on the tough times many of us are experiencing, I invite you to think with me about the life-changing lessons we can learn in tough times.

Consider some of the following suggestions, asking if they apply to your life situation:

Seize the current season of adversity as an opportunity to upgrade the way you approach life, order your priorities and live out your faith.

Base your sense of self-worth and self-esteem on the love and uniqueness that God has given you, not on your status or “net worth.”

Adopt a lifestyle of “living within your means,” avoiding unnecessary credit, and making informed purchasing and investing decisions.

Teach your children to make life decisions based on faith and values, not cultural trends.

Be prepared to consider vocational networking, transitioning and re-training.

With a non-partisan disposition, pray for the current and future leaders of your community, state and nation, that they may act with extraordinary wisdom and discernment.

Invest your gifts and passions in proactive service in the church and in the community, always toward the greater good of the whole body.

Share from your blessings with others who may have greater needs and a lesser portion.

In seasons of prosperity and seasons of adversity, honor God with all of your assets: your tithe, your time and your talent.

Practice the biblical principles of sabbath (ceasing periodically from industry and anxiety to rest and worship) and jubilee (releasing your grip on property in order to rotate, revitalize and restore).

This season of economic adversity could be remembered as the toughest time since the Great Depression. But out of that depression came those Tom Brokaw has described as “the greatest generation.”

Perhaps God could teach us a few life-changing lessons during these tough times that will shape us into more responsible citizens, more respectable parents, more competent leaders, more productive workers and more effective servants than we’ve ever been before.

Barry Howard serves as senior minister of the First Baptist Church of Pensacola, Fla.

Share This