Unfortunate Opportunities

This is a tough time for many businesses. I can say that without reservation despite my thorough lack of understanding of macroeconomics or the like. But there are some businesses that are at least partially insulated from downturns in the economy. The market may be down but people still need toilet paper, gasoline, heat, and other such things. They might be able to use less, but they can't cut them out altogether.

And then I thought about the church. What is the church's business? People. The economic downturn certainly effects the church because the church is supported by people who give according to what they get. But the church's business is NOT profit, it's pointing people to Christ. And so many times that happens by helping people in some of most difficult times in their lives. People are never more willing to listen to the hope found in Christ than when their hope has crumbled. To put it as simply as I can, uncertainty is good business for the church. The business of the church is to offer hope that is anchored in eternity, unchanging and unshaken by the ups and downs of our world. That means that although we may have to figure out how to do more with less in the mean time, the opportunities before us are endless, and the God among us is infinitely creative. I pray that he will help us to use this opportunity to share his love with those who are hurting around us.