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In a world of economic uncertainty, the Christian and the unbeliever stand at a crossroads — one grasping for what cannot last, the other anchored to what cannot be shaken.

Economic security is a crucial safeguard that every wise person desires. They may attain this goal for a short or long period of time. But it is only a temporary measure; it will not last, and it will not be consistent.

For the average secular person, it can be very difficult and traumatic to live life if they don’t have economic security. Their life is full of much uncertainty and stress, worrying about the unknowns of both their imminent and long-term future. The Christian, on the other hand, has a completely different perspective on the security of the economy. 

See, economic security can be very elusive and is often something that most people think is attainable… yet, it never is. It may at one point have been a possibility to some, but in the 21st century, the looming threat of wars, supposed climate change, and a possible global recession, among many other things, make it seem nearly impossible.

(Given that most of this was written four years ago, nothing is new under the sun.) Now, it seems like a dream gone by to think of economic security; this may cause much distress to most people. 

The Search for Identity

Why does economic security matter so much? Why would the unbeliever find this alarming? Why does it cause much unneeded stress and anxiety? The root of this stress and grasping for wealth comes to a head in a search for identity.

Frankly, material wealth is all that the unbeliever has. Their material wealth is what defines them as they progress through life. Whilst many familial, work, and general cultural things change, they hold on to the hope of something that won’t change or be shaken in threatening times.

They hold on tightly to what meagre assets they have, because they think that this temporary, short life is all that there is. There is nothing else that could give them any value because of that. If they lose their material possessions, their life becomes meaningless and worthless since they have nothing left. 

The Christian’s Unshakeable Foundation

By contrast, the Christian also wants economic security, yet it does not define his existence. The Christian whose hope is in God and His sure promise of eternity has a solid, secure foundation and grounding. It would not (or rather should not) matter at all if he did or did not have economic security.

As Christians, we understand that material possessions are only given for a limited time, and are given as a temporary gift from God to be used for His glory. We realise that once we perish, wealth won’t ever be on our minds. We won’t worry about the economy, or wars, or a climate disaster. We won’t hold tightly to our momentary possessions. Rather, we will look to the Rock of our salvation; we will see Him face to face and know Him fully as He already does us. 

And in our times of trouble, we hold tightly to our everlasting God, because we know that God has given us everything we have and He will take care of every single need. 

But that’s awfully easy for me to say, being 20, with no house, no wife or kids, and no debt. And I acknowledge that practically this is a lot harder if you are relied upon in these circumstances. Nevertheless, we must trust God in every circumstance.

I take comfort in knowing that I don’t see the big picture that God does, and frankly, I’m glad for that. He is working in places you wouldn’t expect, for ends you couldn’t predict, and yet He cares enough about you that He knows the very hairs on your head. 

The unbeliever is on the edge of a mental breakdown every time their shares in the stock market drop, every time a country declares war — whenever there is a rumour of anything happening.

The Christian does not seek after material possessions for their own gain, and frankly is not even a concern in the midst of trusting God. Rather, they give to the work of God, for the advancement of the Gospel, and its fulfilment in every single area of life.

Friend, consider where your trust lies, as I will mine, and fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. 

“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:31-33

If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy this podcast interview I did with Ken Ham and Mike Foster. You can check it out here on YouTube:

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Republished with thanks to the ‘Truth Prevails’ Substack. Image courtesy of Adobe.