Money is one of those strange things we need it but it has such power to control us. It can control us in a variety of ways.
- Some it controls because they are constantly looking for ways to make more. It could be working more overtime or two jobs or just in the office day and night trying to stop the business falling flat on its face.
- Some it controls because they believe they will never have enough so spend very little that their lives are uncomfortable. they may have money in the bank but they dare not spend it.
- Some are so swayed by the advertising for the latest must-have gadget that they will do anything to get hold of it.
- Some use money to buy the stuff that makes them feel comfortable and eases their anxiety until they get the bill and their anxiety level soars upwards again.
We need it to survive in this world but as a church we are frightened of it and what happens because of it. In a financial climate like today\’s all these things are still happening. Not only that but
- Jobs are disappearing, in factories even in national offices that support churches.
- Some people are setting up businesses but some of them only last a few weeks or months before they collapse. The prospective business owners are then often in a worse state than they were before they tried starting a business.
- There are gaps in the town centre were there used to be shops and banks.
- There are queues at the advice centres as people try and get help with mounting debts.
- There are many people wandering round hopeless wondering where to turn.
What are we the church doing in response? Some have set up job clubs to support those looking for work and hopefully make it easier for them to do so. Some have set up debt relief projects offering counselling and support for those struggling with money problems. Those are good ideas for individuals but what about the community. What practical steps is the church taking to rebuild the economy of the area it is called to serve
Ouch! that sounds a big task. It is but who else is going to help people? The government? They are struggling to pay for what they do now and have cut back spending on business support T he banks?