Who are you relying on in this recession?

Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? ~ Matthew 25:44

There is something very puzzling to me about this "recession." A recession is an economic term determined by the GDP over a period of time. People who don't know what "GDP" means are worried and blaming politicians for this "recession."

Yes, people have lost their jobs and it is difficult to find jobs. But, there are still the same number of people with the ability to work. The same number of houses, the same amount of food growing in the fields. So what exactly are individuals losing during this recession?

The only thing I can figure is that we are losing or at risk of losing our ability to be self-reliant and have pride in our work. 

The pattern of this world is to take care of yourself and store up money to "enjoy life" in the future (even though we may not be alive tomorrow). 

The pattern of this world is to feel sorry for neighbors and friends who have lost their job. Maybe offer a little assistance but nothing that risks your own security and ability to be self-sufficient.

The pattern of this world is to hide our personal needs so that we appear "healthy" - those who don't hide their needs are considered "needy."

The pattern of this world is to blame the politicians for the irresponsibility of spending more than our government actually has. (Why do we bash our representatives for national debt when they are representing our personal pattern of spending?)

The pattern of this world is to not work in a job that is "below" our skill set for fear of looking desperate or incapable of more responsibility.

The pattern of this world is SELF.

Money is not the answer. A stimulus package that is truly going to make a long-term difference requires stimulating individuals to think differently.

Are you afraid of losing control, losing the security of self-sufficiency? Who are you relying on? God is in control regardless of what the GDP indicates. His desire is that we become one. Imagine what could happen if believers (employed and unemployed) responded to the recession differently than those who don't profess to rely on God.

May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. ~ John 17:23