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Economists are still sorting out the causes of the recent economic downturn. Some blame Wall Street, Main Street, and even the government. While we certainly are not experts, we cannot ignore the role that greed often plays in causing economic loss. Greed causes us to make unwise decisions, which in turn, can lead to various forms of loss. Consider God’s dealings with ancient Israel. God had made a covenant to protect and sustain them. Under the terms of the covenant, the people were to obey the decrees and commands He gave them. If they failed to do so, God reserved the right to permit them to suffer loss — from the lack of rain, grasshoppers, or diseases. We read God’s words to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14: “I have heard your prayer [of dedication], and have chosen this temple as the place for making sacrifices. At times, I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.’ God offered a remedy that both they and we can benefit from. When we depart from God and make unwise decisions that lead to economic loss, the remedy is to pray, turn from sin, and seek God’s face.
