Preparation for Crisis (2) - Personal Impact

At the personal level, an economic crisis affects people differently.

• Some people will lose their jobs. They will face a massive drop in income. If they find new work, it may not match their skills, so they will be less well paid.
• People who keep their jobs will continue to live quite well. If prices fall, they might actually be better off than they were before the crisis.
• Most business owners will face a reduction in income. They will generally be able to continue to operate, but their profit will decline.
• Some businesses will fail. The owners of these businesses will face a severe reduction in income.

The situation will be varied. Some people will have a dramatic decline in income. Others will carry on living as normal. The relative size of these two groups will depend on the severity of the recession.

Pauls spoke about the situation where some are well off and other are suffering.

Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little (2 Cor 8:13-15).

Paul suggested a solution for the situation where some have plenty while others are hard pressed. The solution is generous giving. A key to preparing for difficult economic times is to learn how to give and share. Christians can best prepare for difficult times by building relationships and building channels through which those who are better off can share with those who are hard pressed.

Deacons will have a role in facilitating this giving and sharing. Acts 6 describes how people with this calling were set aside to care for those in the Christian community who were poor. We should be working and praying to raise up this ministry.

For more about Deacons read Deacons.