On The Economic Crisis

• The economic downturn is a great opportunity of Christians for evangelism. For many people, money is their god and their god just got crucified, and shows no signs of resurrection. This is the time to point people to the only real Saviour who did get resurrected.

• Christians respond differently in times of crisis. In the early church, when disease swept the urban centres and everyone fled, Christians remained to help the sick and dying. In the same way, when many are now panicking because of financial crunch, shoring up their own interests, and turning to new hopes that ultimately will also disappoint, Christians should be asking, "How can we sacrifice personally to help people in need?"

• As I explained four Sundays ago in the opening sermon on Unshaken Amidst Uncertainties (Lessons We Can Learn From A Downturn) , we all tend to compare ourselves to our vocational peers (i.e., those who make about as much as we do), and see if we're living as well as them. If not, we are bothered. But studies consistently show the average Singaporean is living above his means, which means that if you choose to live below your means, then you are going to be living a few steps behind your peers. And you will look like a financial retard. And, if you choose to give generously and to save, (both biblical admonitions as well), that is going to put you many more steps behind your peers. Living many steps behind someone is a NOTICEABLE difference. It is not simply going out to eat one less time or not getting that $3.50 dessert at the Food Court; rather, it affects where you live and the kind of car you drive. You should be prepared for this and at peace with it, resolved that living 4-5 steps behind your peers is worth it to stay out of debt and give generously. And be more contented; feel so much more secure in God and stay happier!