What's Gone Wrong? Have We Lost Our Way?

What's going wrong? The economy is now in a state where people are beginning to use the "d" word, as in "depression," to refer to what is going on. I remember how long it took before the word recession was used. Wall Street averages have plummeted 25% these past two months. The one who was elected on the platform of giving America hope, is now only offering choices inviting fear. Wall Street is not yet in panic mode, but it can see panic on the not-too-far-distant horizon as investors begin to pull out what little money they have left.

In recent weeks I have done a lot of reading on economics. I must admit that it is an area where I was not greatly interested several months ago. Yet, now as I, too, watch my retirement account shrink to levels of the mid-1990's, I realized that I had better start taking an interest. And, to be honest, what I have been reading scares me.

In the past, say - in 1981-82 for example - when we had another bad recession, the government kept a "hands-off" approach. Yes, there were some failures. Yes, there were many bankruptcies. Yes, some businesses closed. But those that survived became stronger. And the nation's economy began an upward spiral that seemed to never end. And, because of the unprecedented growth, consumers, bankers, and businessmen became greedy wanting a little bit more. Thus the relaxing of requirements to secure a home mortgage loan, and the relaxing of requirements for small business loans.

Now, here we are in 2009, and the consequences of our sinful, greedy actions are being reaped. Friends, the Bible tells us that sin always pays a wage; it may be a wage delayed, but it will always be paid.

What should happen? I hesitate to use the word "suffer the consequences" but that is what should happen. If I, as a home owner, over extended myself so I could have that "dream house", and now I cannot afford the mortgage, then I need to walk away. And if I, as a home loan officer in a local bank, took that risky loan, then my bank should be in trouble...perhaps even to closing its doors. There are consequences to sin!

There are two alternatives, it seems to this unenlightened economic mind - but getting more enlightened all the time. First, we can let the market take care of itself. This will involve some painful consequences, but remember, sinful choices always brings painful consequences. Some businesses will fail. Some banking institutions will cease operations. But, in the end, the market will correct itself. Stocks will once again have some value. Investors will once again put money into the stock market, thus driving businesses to expand and consumers to buy.

The other alternative is to let the government do it for us. And, it seems that is the pathway we have decided to go. Troubled...let government come to your rescue. Can't pay your mortgage...let Uncle Sam help you with your payments. Business in debt because of poor planning...hey, no trouble, just tell Washington how much you need. Friends, I hope you can see the handwriting on the wall. We have begun sliding down the slippery slope toward a national socialistic government. And the more money the government produces to bailout those who made wrong choices, the less value any of our money becomes. We have now reached the height of our entitlement mentality: let the government take care of my consequences; I am not responsible for them.

Now what does this gloomy news have to do with a prophetic picture. Simply this: in the end times, the world's finances will be in such desperate shape that one man can suddenly have the reigns of power. I had for a time thought it would come through some type of military intrigue; but now I am becoming more convinced that this one man will take control of the world through an economic collapse that he will orchestrate to his advantage. And, because Mammon is our god, we will fall in obedience to whatever he dictates.

Well, Marlys and I leave tomorrow morning, along with our two daughters and 20 others, for two weeks in Israel. It will be good to be back in the land God calls His own. Thanks for praying while we are gone.