We are in a panic.  The headlines scream with more and more losses in the stock market.  Other headlines discuss political leaders’ proposed responses and the need for calm.  What can Christians do during times of financial crisis?   Much has been said as to how Christians should respond to natural disasters or critical breakdowns in society’s moral values.  What is to be said when we face a breakdown in the financial system? What is to be said when we see a financial disaster?  

There are three steps every Christian should take when discussing the financial and economic problem of today.  Christians should refrain from playing the blame game, Christians should show compassion, and Christians should continue to save. 

 
Many articles are in the press, or television and radio commentators are expounding upon, the ‘root’ causes of this financial crisis.  These causes are always directed at someone – the government failed us, the greedy Wall Street titans put us at risk, or the bankers failed to tells us the truth.  Human nature as it is, there are corrupt politicians, greedy financial executives, and business people that lie.  However, the majority of people in all of these positions are good.  The vast majority of people in all three of these groups having been going to work each day for many years trying to do what is best for every one of their constituents, clients, or employees.  Mistakes were certainly made. But there is no cure in the pointed finger.  Further, generalizations insult those that acted with the upmost integrity.

 
In any crisis, there are people that get hurt.  What is going on in financial markets today will eventually make its way into the real economy – the market for goods and services.  When this happens, people will lose their jobs.  The financial industry specifically is likely to lose over 1 million jobs in the next year or two.  When people are out of work, no matter what industry, Christians can do well by helping them out.  A neighbor needs to come to the rescue while these families search for new employment.  Christians can further support educational programs like those that retrain workers, increase knowledge of financial markets, or improve personal financial skills.

 
Finally, the Bible clearly instructs the Christian to avoid debt and save for the future.  Proverbs contains many passages on how debt enslaves us.  Paul, in his letter to Timothy, warns that those that do not save for the future place an undue burden on their family, which includes fellow Christians.  Thus, the Christian must save.  The best time to be doing so is when prices of financial assets are cheap.   If you continue to fund your retirement and other savings plans through this time you will undoubtedly be rewarded financially by buying low and gaining the opportunity to sell high. 

 
Christians can weather any storm because we place our trust in Him.  We can further serve him by not being judgmental, helping others, and acting prudently ourselves.  I pray the Church is salt and light throughout the current economic and financial turmoil.