Toward the end of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, several young dentists gathered to discuss their struggles. Many found themselves in a financial crisis, having taken out large loans to pay for their education and to start dental clinics. With all dental services shut down, their income sources dried up, leaving them burdened by debt and grappling with depression. Most were at a loss, unsure of how to proceed.
The Causes of Financial Turmoil
Financial crises can arise from various circumstances. While a global pandemic like COVID-19 is extraordinary, facing unwanted situations beyond our control is not. Such challenges affect families and households regularly, often once a decade or more. Sometimes, personal crises are the result of unwise financial decisions.
In India’s low-savings, high-debt context, young Indians face increasing financial burdens due to job losses, changing lifestyle expectations, and pressure from peers and family. Additionally, jobs often demand long hours, heavy workloads, and significant responsibility, sometimes leading to unwise spending as a form of self-reward.
The easy availability of loans and a debt-based lifestyle have also contributed to widespread mental health challenges. These factors culminate in financial turmoil, leaving many with unanswered questions: Are we at fault? Could this have been foreseen? Was prevention within our reach? What lies ahead? How do we escape this phase of financial instability?
A Christian Perspective on Financial Crisis
As Christians, how do we face such situations? What perspectives and practices can support us as we navigate these challenging and complex seasons of life?
1. God is the Owner and Provider of All Resources
Everything we receive—past, present, and future—comes from the Lord. Money, wealth, and resources are supplied by his generous hand. Our ability to earn, grow wealth, and obtain resources is possible by God’s enabling power. He owns “the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10).
God reigns supreme over all life events.
The apostle Paul reminds us that everything we have comes from the Lord: “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Cor. 4:7).
Even in unfavourable circumstances, Christians can trust the Lord to provide for every need because all things belong to him. We can hold on to the promise that God will meet all our needs “according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).
2. God’s Sovereignty is Certain
Whether financial crises arise from novel circumstances or poor choices, God reigns supreme over all life events. We may have to face the consequences of our bad financial decisions, but they do not ultimately paralyse us.
God’s plans prevail despite our worst errors. Paul reminds us of this when he says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
3. God Gives Us Wisdom
In the midst of a crisis, we can feel lost about the path ahead. But God promises to give wisdom to those who ask for it. James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
The love of money is a dangerous spiritual snare
Instead of running around in circles searching for answers, financial crises are opportunities to return to the one who can give us the wisdom to address the challenge. Proverbs teaches us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).
4. God Sustains Us Through His People
We are not expected to face challenges alone but the Lord sustains us through the church. The body of Christ holds wisdom, knowledge, and sometimes even short-term resources to help us through difficult seasons. We can seek advice from competent financial advisors, and confide in people to care for our souls. Christians are called to carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, we will “fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).
However, we must remember that God expects us to learn from seasons of hardship. Crises are opportunities to return to our foundations and to remember how to manage the money, wealth, and resources God has entrusted to us.
Learning to Be Content in the Lord
Ultimately, the Lord is our provider. Everything belongs to him. He gives us wealth to steward—to meet our daily needs and to care for the needs of others. He provides us with money to glorify him, so the way we use money reveals our true priorities.
The love of money is a dangerous spiritual snare that leads to greed and unrest. However, economic principles informed by the gospel are radical and produce a life of contentment.
God calls Christians to learn contentment, whether in seasons of little or plenty
Christians must learn to apply God’s wisdom to their financial habits. We must learn to live within our income and embrace a lifestyle that reflects the character of God’s kingdom. Practising generosity should begin with giving cheerfully and sacrificially to the church to advance the gospel. We should also consider proportionate giving to kingdom-minded ministries.
A Counter-Cultural Approach to Finances
Christians are called to adopt counter-cultural financial habits. John Wesley taught the church to “earn as much as you can, save as much as you can, invest as much as you can, but give as much as you can (for others).” This is a radical departure from the current trend of borrowing as much as you can, saving as little as you can, spending as much as you can (for yourself), and giving as little as you can.
This shift is possible only as we continue to walk in community with other Christians who challenge us to be counter-cultural with our money. Klaus Isler writes, “We cannot ignore the fact that wealth is a positive resource. It is a hazardous resource, certainly, but within a redeemed community, there should be the wisdom and grace available to handle wealth (and financial crises) responsibly.”
Finally, Jesus taught us not to be consumed by what we have or lack. He says, “There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch?” (Matt. 6:25-27, The Message).
God calls Christians to learn contentment, whether in seasons of little or plenty (Phil. 4:11-12). God does not want us to spend our days consumed with where and how we will acquire money. Instead, He wants us to trust in him and respond to the generous gift of his Son, by living generously to serve others.
