January 25, 2008

troubled by talk

As a preacher, I know that words are powerful. They can shape a conversation and perception to the point they can end up actually defining reality.

I think this is why I am so troubled by the “news” coverage regarding the economy. Facts are reported amidst editorial comment, not separating opinion/analysis from actual happenings. It is certainly more sensational to rant about a recession than report a simple slowdown in growth. As Dave Ramsey pointed out on Larry King Live, a recession has a specific definition. A recession is a decline in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for two or more successive quarters. In other words, we don’t experience a recession until we experience economic decline for over 6 months in a row.

We haven’t even had a month of decline – in fact, as Ramsey pointed out, we haven’t experienced a loss yet, just a slow down in growth!

There are certainly major problems facing our country and our economy. It is just frustrating to see reporting that seems to be intentionally scaring people simply because it makes for better television.

If there is a silver lining in all of this, it is Christian financial ministries getting national airtime. Folks like Dave Ramsey, leaders of Crown Ministries and others are able to speak about effective Christian financial management to a country lost in get rich quick schemes and raw materialism. Biblical principles on Christian finance are extremely effective (after all, they are given by God!) for the promotion of healthy family finance.

Here is some good advice from John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Movement. 1) Earn all you can (by a cheerful, hard worker); 2) Save all you can (not in the bank, but rather: be frugal, avoiding excess expenses); 3) Give all you can (for the work of Christ with the least, the last, and the lost).

If you want to read Wesley’s sermon #50 on finances in its entirety, it can be found at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/sermons/50/

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Unfortunately crisis sells news. I guess if you make a living writing news then you look for those things that will get your readers or watchers attention. I hadn't heard Wesley's sermon on finance... that's great to see and great advice.

Anonymous said...

I have been a listener/reader and now a watcher(on FBN at 7pm, M-F) of Dave Ramsey's for years, now. He gives good, practical and biblical advice to people who are literally on the edge of financial despair. We owe a debt of gratitude to people who Minister so faithfully to others!

The media skews to the sensational, and it is up to us to step back and look to God for wisdom in all issues. What a comfort to know that he didn't skip the "finance classes" in the bible!

tam said...

Even in "The Hindu" newspaper in India, there is continually several articles about U.S. political news (I know who wins what primary) and economic news (and of course everything you would want to know about cricket). So it is not simply the media outlets in the States, fear sells worldwide. Isn't that comforting that they would rather us be scared than comforted?

tam said...

Oh, and by the way ... congratulations on passing ordination! You are now fully official!