Job Loss, Foreclosures & Pharisees

Dt 15:11 "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."

Mt 26:11 "The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me."

2008 was by far the worst year of my adult life when it comes to income, provision for my family, stress, worry, and the simple pleasures of a meal with my family. I work in the mortgage industry as a loan officer. 2007 and 2008 revealed many of the flaws of our industry as well as other industries very closely tied to credit.

Unfortunately, as a result of the "economic crisis" facing our country, many families are facing job losses, home losses, as well as retirement savings losses. We certainly do have some challenges before us.

In the last several days and weeks, I've had conversations with lots of people who have not immediately been affected by job loss or home loss, but may have lost money in their stock portfolio or 401k plans. The common denominator with most of the conversations has not been about helping others, but rather looking to the gov't to help clean up the mess. I've even heard many people complain and blame the people losing their jobs and homes for making bad decisions. Kind of a "Sucks to be you" attitude. Neighbors, Family, Friends, etc. are in dire straights these days.

Sure, did some people make some bad decisions? You bet they did. Did some people break the law and fraudulently scam millions from unsuspecting Americans? You betcha. Did honest people who were not beyond their means lose their job due to a down turn in the economy? Millions!

So here is my question? You claim to follow Jesus as Lord? Do you prescribe to his teachings about the poor among us? Have you seen how you can help? Are you looking are feeling sorry for yourself?

Fiscal Stewardship is all about understanding that none of it is ours to begin with. Those who have done well, Congratulations! Consider yourself blessed to have a job and a home. Dig deep and figure out how you can now bless someone less fortunate.

I am confident that the solution to our country's economic crisis lies within each one of us, not the gov't. Reach out your hand to your neighbor and lend a hand where you can. This is your community, someone's father, mother, brother or sister. It could be you.

There are plenty of ways to help. Try taking a meal. Take some groceries. Can you afford someone's house payment for a month to help them with time to find a new job? Is it within your means to provide a short term solution to care for someone?

Remember God's words in DT - "Be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."

May God continue to bless you!