Fix The Economy?
Keith W. Kress
We have again arrived at that time when those funny looking “flowers” keep popping up all over our neighborhoods. They are better known as campaigning signs urging us to vote for the latest and greatest candidate who will fix everything that is wrong with our community, state, or country. Everyone seemingly has the answer for every problem. Unfortunately, after the elections, most of the problems continue to plague us until the next crop of candidates come along offering their version of the answers.
Obviously, the big issue this year is the economy. High gas and food prices, folks losing jobs on a weekly basis, bills going upward at an alarming rate, and the soaring federal deficit are all the target of the candidates and the voters. However, should this be the greatest motivation for us to determine for whom we choose to vote?
Consider briefly the message of the book of Haggai in the Old Testament. The economy of Israel was having similar problems as we are now experiencing. We are told in Haggai 1:6 that they sowed much seed, but harvested little; they ate, but were still hungry; they drank, but were still thirsty; they wore clothing, but couldn’t keep warm; and they earned wages, but it was as though they put the money in a bag with holes in it. In other words, they never had enough; they were always in need. As we would say today, there were too many bills at the end of the check.
What was the answer to fix the economy? It was very simple. They needed to put God first in their lives. In 1:8, God’s message to them was: “Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified.” Their economy was bad because God had made it that way due to their unfaithfulness. In 1:9-11, God told them: “You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? says the Lord of hosts. Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house. Therefore, the heavens above you withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit. For I called for a drought on the land and the mountains, on the grain and the new wine and the oil, on whatever the ground brings forth, on men and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.”
Unfortunately, many do not believe that God still rules in the world today. He does. I have no doubt that many economies are still hurt by God because folks do not glorify Him by obeying Him. If you really think that politicians are going to make the economy much better, please study the little book of Haggai, and take its message to heart. When you vote this year, do not just consider the economy, or the war in Iraq, or any other issue on the minds of most Americans. Instead, make sure you first vote for those who will enable us to put God first, for those who will work against the ungodly sins of abortion and homosexual rights, for those who will hopefully lead us in a righteous path which will help lead this country back to being a God-fearing nation once again. That is the only real fix for the economy.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). -2707 Bird St., Parkersburg, WV 26101. kwkress@juno.com