"This is bad," I thought as I watched the news this morning. Bear Stearns, one of the largest investment banks in America, narrowly escaped bankruptcy. That's the good news. The bad news is that it was bought for $2.00 per share when a little over a year ago it was priced at $150.00 per share. In Europe, the dollar is worth half of what it was. Gold and other commodities are spiraling upward in a "flight to safety." In America, gas prices are approaching $4.00 per gallon with talk of $5-$10 per gallon depending on which economist you listen to. My wife regularly comments on the price of groceries and expresses concern about how our kids will be able to take care of their growing families.

Our family has joined the ranks of many who thought they were making wise investment decisions, only to watch as funds earmarked for retirement and financial security start dwindling, through no fault of our own. Half of our own personal retirement is in a fund that has just declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. We continue to pray that wise people of integrity make godly decisions that will protect its investors, especially those who have no other financial support.

What's a Christian to do? I am certainly no economist and I would not even begin to try to give financial investment counseling. What I can say is that we have all been forewarned.

Matthew 6:20-21 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Our riches are but moth and rust infected, destined for destruction UNLESS they are invested in the one thing that will last - the Kingdom of Christ. Look, I like a good steak and a nice vacation just like the next guy. It is not wrong to have money. It is not wrong to invest. In fact, it's wrong not to take care of our families. But, those who have financial security must keep asking themselves, "When is enough enough?"

I've always been intrigued by the fact that many who have little give the most - percentage wise. Wealthy friends have admitted to me that sometimes it's very difficult for them to sign a big check over to their church or a ministry even though they have plenty in the bank. There's just something about letting go of so much money. It's always dangerous for a preacher to confront money issues because the immediate response of human nature is to start questioning the messenger's motives and own financial decisions. Most don't understand that a biblical preacher must first filter the message through his own heart. The more we have, the more careful we must be to push our financial decisions through the grid of scripture.

A number of our friends who regularly support ministries beyond their local church tithe, have expressed deep concern that they are increasingly unable to be as generous as previously because of the impact of the economy on their businesses. Because of diminishing funds we at MARKINC Ministries have come off of numerous radio stations. Like every struggling family, we continuously review our budget and evaluate where we need to refocus funds. In preparation for the lean economic times, we have invested more time and funding into our internet presence so that if funding continues to weaken, we are positioned to continue having a worldwide kingdom building impact through technology. However, I'm still trying to understand the Christian community when it comes to their support of ministries like MARKINC. Whenever we offer a free sermon CD we have scores of requests. But if we charge even ONE DOLLAR for that same resource, the vault is locked as tight as a drum. Yet many will pay $10.00 for a movie ticket and $15.00 for a soda and popcorn but "cannot afford" to give a dollar to the deacon's fund or buy a sermon CD to give away to a hurting friend. How many people are enjoying the ministries of their local church yet not giving a dime when the offering plate is passed? Are you one of those who is riding the backs of your brothers and sisters who are sacrificially tithing and giving so that your local church will be a voice of hope in your community?

What is wrong with this picture?

Here is my read. Most of us are not rich and, for some, that night at the movies is a stretch and many refuse to "stretch" that far. Many sacrificially give out of their love for Christ. My church is made up of many such people. In these strained economic times we all need to take a step back and evaluate the whole of our spending habits. The times are tough but will be getting MUCH tougher. We "spiritual squirrels" must start storing up some Kingdom building "acorns" for the economic winter to come. As we make financial decisions to protect our families, we must include protection of the family of God.

If we expect God to bless the 90% we must commit to the 10% (the tithe) and to systematic sacrificial giving beyond the tithe. The work of Christ must be funded, not only for today but also for when the severest of economic times hits all of us. Severe economic times will produce severe pain in families. Marriages will strain to survive under the pressure of paying bills with too little money. God often opens hearts to the hope only Christ can give when the days are darkest. The church must not stand still. We must live as though Christ is coming today but work as though He will not come for a thousand years. We must not sit still out of fear of what MIGHT happen. We must build strong churches with quality ministries. But remember, the "church" is not some nebulous organization that is responsible for meeting all of our needs. The true church is the family of God, people responsible for caring for one another and extending the invitation of Christ to a broken world. God has promised to give to His people all of the resources we need to get the job done. In other words, His people have been entrusted with the money. But will we give it back to Him or will we be like the man who squandered his God-given talents?