I was reading J. C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, and I encountered some comments that are very helpful for our current economic crisis in America. Ryle says in his comments on Mark 1 (p. 8):
We may reach heaven without learning, or riches, or health, or worldly greatness. But we shall never reach heaven, if we die impenitent and unbelieving. A new heart, and a lively faith in a Redeemer, are absolutely needful to salvation.
Two pages later in the same volume he says (p. 10):
But it is no disgrace to be poor. The laborer who serves Christ faithfully is far more honorable in God’s eyes, than the nobleman who serves sin.
In America we have been taught to love and serve wealth. The worst crisis we can face is an economic crisis. We are taught to think, act, and believe as soulless consumers. In that kind of a culture an economic crisis is horror, but not so for the Christian. God has called us to be godly more than rich, holy more than secure, and content more than consumers. Christ warns the Laodicean Church in Revelation 3:17 (ESV):
For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
They were physically wealthy, but they were spiritually impoverished. The Lord is not impressed by wealth; He calls us to lay up our treasures in Heaven. In a time of economic crisis when the world is in panic, we have the same eternal confidence we have always had: Jesus died for our sins.
Thank you Pastor TJ for a timely reminder. Throughout this election year, and the challenge of our economy I’ve been discouraged to hear and read all the comments of Christians so “caught up” in politics and finanical downturns. We are studying Habakkuk 3:17-19 in church to help keep our thoughts on what really is TRUE. “Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, through the yield of the olive shouild fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” God bless you for standing strong in your pulpit.