The Economy

“The situation”

December 9, 2009 (Wednesday)
Ever notice when some protracted event hangs around for a long time, we give it a name? “The Great Depression” was such an event. Seemed like it would never go away, so we gave it a name. The present economy has merited only a description instead of a name. It is described in several ways, but one that is quite common is, “the present economy.” Perhaps the absence of a name is a good sign.
I have had a difficult time trying to figure out just what this “economic situation” is. Stocks have rebounded, but contracts are being cancelled and people are still being laid off. The banks have raised rates on credit cards to astounding levels, yet they pay nearly no interest at all on savings. Prices continue to rise but the official inflation rate is a negative number. I didn’t understand the economy when things were going well, so how could I understand it now?
One thing I know about money. Jesus told us that it’s a ruthless master. Like a raging river, if we keep it in its place it’s nice to have around, but if we worship it, it can be a cruel god, screaming its demands for sacrifice. Jesus spoke plainly about it, saying “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24 NIV). A poem (by Arthur Guterman?) reveals what money says: