“Dr. Dixie, my husband and I work hard and manage our money carefully. A BIG birthday party for us is to go to a local restaurant and spend $50.00—and we have to save to do that. I constantly have a knot in my stomach when I hear the news reports about the selfish, lavish, personal and government spending going on at our expense. I don’t want to make myself sick. I need to know how to stop being so mad about the “stimulus” madness?
“Stimulus” is something that gives incentive and spurs into action. It’s a word currently used to describe strategies aimed at jump-starting a world economy collapsing under a burden of dishonesty and rampant greed.
This isn’t a new problem, although it certainly seems to be escalating. Americans in the postwar “Roaring Twenties” focused on getting more things and enjoying new inventions and fads. Industry became capable of producing vast quantities of goods. But since economic growth could only continue if consumer demand increased, people had to be persuaded to abandon “old fashioned” habits like saving accounts and buying what they needed only when they could pay for it.
“The key to economic prosperity is the organized creation of dissatisfaction,” the president of General Motors declared in 1929. Advertising strategies that were originally developed to rally support for World War I shifted toward persuading people to buy automobiles and household appliances. Many who wanted these products didn’t have enough money to buy them. This gave rise to another “innovation”. Chronic consumer debt, euphemistically called “credit”, was born. But credit only postpones the inevitable day when debt-laden consumers can no longer purchase unless someone raises their credit line. When school, church, legal and government offices are filled by those who believe unlimited spending and credit is a personal right called the “pursuit of happiness” is guaranteed by the Constitution, a national and global crisis is inevitable.
We can’t ignore the crisis, and should pay close attention to the decisions of elected officials to determine our voting decisions. But to avoid living in anger and hopelessness, instead of focusing intently on the irresponsible activities that we can’t change, we must choose to focus on what God says He is able and willing to do, no matter what the economic conditions are. God’s unchanging stimulus package offers a proven alternative: “The key to true prosperity is the organized creation of generosity, contentment and self-control.”
Our culture insists that prosperity is “getting all we can, and “canning” all we get”. God says greed and hoarding is idolatry. Generous giving is the antidote: “… he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will reap sparingly and grudgingly; he who sows generously…will reap generously and with blessings. “ (2 Corinthians 9:6 Amplified) Our culture claims that a bigger “credit line” indicates prosperity. God says, “Debt produces bondage…the borrower becomes the lender’s slave…” (Proverbs 22:7 NASV) Our culture demands instant gratification: God says, “When you pursue My Kingdom first, you’ll be given all that you need.” (Matthew 6:33) Our culture says, “You owe me.” God says, “Give, if you want to receive. And with the measure you use when you confer benefit on others, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38 Amplified) Our culture whines, “You have to give me what I want whether I work or not.” God says, “If a man is not willing to work, he is not to eat either.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10 NASV) Greed, dishonesty and entitlement guarantees the enslavement of individuals and nations. God’s plan guarantees provision and freedom. Infinite Grace Ministries teaches how the loving, righteous wisdom of God sets things right in our lives. Call 580-774-2884 for more information about the availability of one-on-one appointments with Dr. Dixie, Robert Huckleberry and Ellen Vanderveer.
