Recession !?!

Recession seems to be the major adjective used when describing our current economic climate. Global Recession is even bandied around from time to time; a phrase that seems overwhelmingly life changing and impacting, and surely only in a negative way? Without pretending for minute to be a financial or economic analyst of any sort, and without I admit truly having an understanding of what Global Recession means for the world, I’d still like to make some comments on ‘the recession.’

1. It is a privilege for us to be able to use words like recession.

And economy, downturn, exchange rate, share prices, capital gains and so on. In many parts of the word, where millions and millions of people live, these terms are not used in everyday language. Their vocab sounds more like extreme poverty, famine, drought, despair, hunger, sickness and death.

Please, let’s not confuse a recession with a famine.

2. Recession primarily impacts our wants not our needs.

I find it unlikely that due to the economic downturn that New Zealand is supposedly facing some of our citizens will now die from lack of food, lack of water or of exposure to the elements. Recession is something that impacts our wants not our needs. Maybe we won’t get to the movies as much as we’d like, head out for dinner at our favourite restaurant, or stay a couple of nights in a Hotel to ‘get away from it all.’ We’ll survive though, for sure.

3. Recession is a great opportunity for you to simplify.

Our lives get complicated so easily. A recession is a great time for you to simplify your life, what are the things that are most important to you, what do you get the most enjoyment and satisfaction out of? There are so many things you can enjoy for free in life, you don’t have to spend money to have a good time with friends, or in nature.

4. Recession is an opportunity for you to walk in faith.

When things get tight on your wallet we all have to cut back the non-essentials in life. Too many people see giving and generosity as non essential. Generosity, especially in the midst of what seems to be a lack, is one of the greatest keys to freedom there is. Don’t hold on tightly keep being generous. Cut back what you spend on yourself but don’t cut back on what you give to others.

Proverbs 11:24-25
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.