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Comparing stimulus strategies in these tumultuous times may seem futile, but I find the topic intriguing.
During my early days in the human resources field, I specialized in the area of compensation and benefits planning. Those developed skills remained quite valuable in working with business owners in my life and health insurance career.
What I learned early on in my previous profession is increases in compensation and benefits only satisfied employees for a very short period.
The current stimulus package being presented to revitalize our U.S. economy is much more than just doling out dollars to citizens to relieve the financial stress caused by the COVID-19 health crisis. Jump-starting the economy with small business loans (many to be forgiven) and infusing huge amounts of cash into our struggling major industries over the coming months will certainly have a much-needed positive financial impact on America. Unemployment will gradually be reduced and in due time our economy will be revitalized.
I’ve yet to hear anyone complain about the U.S. government making deposits and sending out stimulus checks to all citizens who meet the qualifications of the program. Certainly $1,200 per adult and $500 per child over the next few months will help our lagging economy. Providing small business loans to keep businesses open during the recovery has great value as well.
We can all use some good news these days as many states will cautiously remove mandates to limit our access to business-as-usual practices. Throwing money at the problem is the world’s method to stimulate and revitalize a stagnant economy.
Now let’s talk about the greatest stimulus package ever presented, nearly 2,000 years ago. That stimulus package is available to all humankind. In John 10:10, Jesus proclaims to some Pharisees, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more fully.”
I do wonder why so many avoid accepting Jesus’ stimulus plan. Granted, there are no obligations from our government in accepting these future stimulus payments, whereas Jesus does expect us to turn away from our sinful ways and follow Him in order to receive this abundant life.
The thief presented in John 10:10 is none other than the Deceiver who desires to take us down for the count. Satan wants us to believe the lies of this current world, which is under his authority. He may be the temporary ruler, but he cannot keep us from deciding to follow the One we know will one day rule over the New Heaven and Earth.
You see, God has given us free will to choose whom we will serve. Many years ago, I chose to follow these final words boldly presented to the Israelites in Joshua 24:14-15 before their leader’s death: “… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
We can all find great solace in the promises of God to be there in challenging times like these. He watches over those whom He has chosen. It’s quite possible you have been chosen, but have never accepted His election.
Listen to these sobering words found in 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
You may be sensing God’s call right now. If so, don’t delay. He has a wonderful plan for you in this life and, most important, for eternity.
Passages to Ponder
» Psalm 111
» John 10:14-16
» 1 Corinthians 10:11-14
» 1 Peter 2:10-12
— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at [email protected] for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
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