David W. Swanson

Pastor and Author

economic stimulus payments (subverted)

During the sermon on Sunday I interviewed my friend Chuck about an idea he had about how to spend the Economic Stimulus Package checks most of us will be getting in the mail. Yesterday I wrote about his idea for Out of Ur.

“I thought that spending my check from the government was supposed to be the patriotic thing to do, but I’m not sure it’s the Kingdom thing to do.” That is how my friend Chuck began explaining his idea about what our congregation could do with the economic stimulus payments that begin arriving in the mail this week. After hearing so much about the sluggish economy and our responsibility to jumpstart it through consumption, he was wondering if there might be a better way to invest Uncle Sam’s rebate.

You can read the rest at Out of Ur.

David Swanson

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4 responses to “economic stimulus payments (subverted)”

  1. Leigh Avatar
    Leigh

    I’m disheartened to admit that I have not even considered how God would want me to use that money. I just thought I would sock it away in my savings. Thanks for the good food for thought!

    Reply
  2. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    I’m quite disenchanted by the intent of this check…to consume. America needs to stop consuming…not be given permission and money to buy more.
    I’ve considered where I could spend the check; but not in America. My first thought is send it to a missionary in a foreign country. My second thought, in light of the impending rice shortages, is to give it to World Vision or Samaritan’s Purse so they can use it to buy food in other countries.
    At the “Out of Ur” site there are many commentors who are using it to buy stuff in America for the needy. I can’t argue against that. I think it’s noble.
    Hmmm, to cause these “talents” to grow, perhaps we ought to use the money to buy shares in Sony. I have a feeling there will be run on flat panel LCD TVs once these checks are distributed. We can invest “wisely?” for a quarter or two then give even more to the needy!

    Reply
  3. Jerry Avatar
    Jerry

    How about letting the congregants of New Community Covenant Church use it to offset the high cost of gas, groceries and utilities?

    Reply
  4. David Avatar
    David

    Hey Keith… just make sure to invite me over to watch your new LCD TV! 🙂

    Jerry, your point is a good one. For many folks this check will not be a matter of purchasing luxury items, but of filling up their car tank or keeping the electricity on.

    Reply

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