The windows of Heaven

The hectic Christmas shopping rush that began before Thanksgiving is over. It came and went with the usual hype about its importance for the economy, with gloomy predictions about how "the sky is falling" and the looming economic collapse of the good ol' USA.

And, the economic prognosticators and the talking heads on television do make a pretty compelling case that, as a nation, our economic house is not in order, which may have dire consequences. With the decline of the dollar, the incredible trade deficit, and our crushing national debt – as we try to police the world and to fund every good cause on the planet – it is a very bleak picture.

Yet, there is real resilience in the American economy. Ninety-five percent of the nation's people are working, which is about as good as it gets on the employment scene. Inflation is low, though maybe a little higher than the government reports. Sales of consumer goods continue at an astounding level. High fuel prices don't seem to be keeping people at home. The freeways are heavily traveled, airports are full, and the malls and shopping areas are also packed with bargain hunters at this time of year. Even the implosion of the sub-prime mortgage market has had a minimal effect on the vast majority of Americans.

So, while people worry and have their confidence shaken a bit, life goes on. After all, what can the average person do about all of these conditions, anyway? On a grand scale, nothing, which adds to the anxiety and consternation one feels about the flood of bad news concerning the economy. But, there is something each person can do on an individual or family basis. Being in good financial condition does give us peace of mind, especially in troubled times.

There is sound, financial advice found in an ancient book that has proven to be very valuable through the ages. It may surprise you to know that the Bible contains instruction on how to manage finances and how to prosper over time. The book of Proverbs, in particular, contains gems of wisdom which are as practical today as they were millennia ago. In Proverbs 22:7 it states: "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." Ask those with a lot of credit card debt and they may describe it in those very terms. Another example in Proverbs 13:11 states: "Wealth hastily gotten will dwindle, but those who gather little by little will increase it" (NRSV). It seems to work out that way, doesn't it?

What is the point? Avoiding unsecured debt and developing the habit of saving can give a person financial stability, even when there are problems in the overall economy.

There is another financial principle that is found in the Old and New Testaments that has been forgotten or overlooked by most people today. Very plain instruction on this key to financial stability is found in Malachi 3:8-10, where the prophet wrote:

"Will a man rob God?
Yet you have robbed Me!
But you say,
'In what way have we robbed You?'
In tithes and offerings…
And try Me now in this,"
Says the Lord of hosts,
If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it."

Notice, great blessings are promised if one follows this clear instruction to pay tithes.

Throughout the Bible there are references to this key financial principle, which involves setting priorities, budgeting and self discipline, all of which contribute to stability and financial prosperity over time.

If you would like to achieve financial success and stability in a troubled world, this is the place to begin. For more in-depth information on this subject, request our booklet entitled God's People Tithe. You can order it, totally free of charge, online at https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/order-publications/?lit=GT or download it at https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/booklets/gods-people-tithe.

You will find that it is a great investment in your future.