Trusting Christ Through Economic Chaos

Trusting Christ through Economic Chaos

M-1101 / 21 September, 2008

Dr. Russell K. Tardo

The message today is entitled, Trusting Christ in Times of Economic Chaos. It’s just a simple exhortation on trusting Christ even in times of economic confusion and turbulence. I think no one would deny the fact that’s where we are as a nation are right now. I doubt if any of us have seen conditions like this. I am told that not since the Great Depression has anyone seen this degree of bank failure and government bailouts.

22And he said unto his disciples, [His disciples, those that know Him, that follow Him, that trust in Him] Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought [don’t be anxious, don’t worry, don’t be afraid, that’s what it means] for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. [Luke 12:22-23]

He is saying that we should be thinking about other things. That’s not what it’s all about... and then He tells us to take a field trip.

24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? [I’d underline that in my Bible, i.e., and God feeds them. How much more precious to God are you than the birds?] 25And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? [Luke 12:24-28]

There are fundamental truths that God’s people must embrace, some of which are beneficial for times of economic turmoil and distress such as are being experienced in this nation. Believers would do well to remember these principles for they are eternal principles that must be recognized, embraced and obeyed if we’re to expect God to bless, provide and protect, etc.

Fundamental #1 - Trust

God is good and graciously gives beauty throughout His creation. He didn’t have to make flowers. He could have made everything gray, i.e., grass, leaves, trees, etc. but He gave us beauty and thereby we get a small glimpse of His nature. Originally, everything was far more vibrant and beautiful than even now. Even after the effects of the fall of man, beauty yet remains a part of God’s creation, with elements of nature still incredibly stunning. If the Lord is so concerned about giving us beauty, color, fragrance and texture, etc., in His natural order, how much more is He concerned about clothing His children? Your Heavenly Father feeds the birds and dresses the fields, so how much more will He provide for you to be dressed? To the Lord, all this concern is just trivial and minor, and it should be to us as well. Man foolishly troubles himself with such concerns as, "How am I going to get school clothes for the children?" "How will I be able to afford work clothes?" God says that as His children, we shouldn’t be worried about these things.

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what he shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. [Luke 12:29]

This is the Lord speaking to His disciples. He tells them, "You don’t have to worry about these things."

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. [Luke 12:30]

These are the cares after which the world seeks. Man seeks security in and of himself. Because you are God’s child, God says that He sees and knows your need and He will provide. He then goes on to say what His children should seek after. Not things, not earthly security, because there is no security in clothing, food, money, earthly material goods, etc.

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. [Luke 12:31]

The Believer’s Privilege

It is the believer’s calling, the believer’s responsibility, the believer’s privilege to seek the things of God. Don’t set your heart on this world, but set your affections on things above. If you seek first God’s kingdom, then all the other things will be supplied. Put the Lord first, live for Him, trust Him, honor Him, obey Him and all this is just a byproduct. God will bless you; He will take care of you and there will be no needs to worry about.