In the third presidential debate, one of the candidates, when discussing the present economic situation, referred to Americans as “innocent victims” of the crisis. I don’t know about that. In fact, I can think of a better word to describe Americans with relation to our economy. And the word is ‘oppressor’.

            In a recent sermon on the first chapter of Isaiah in Venture, we looked at how Judah’s leaders in the 8^th century were taking advantage of the poor by confiscating their land, over-taxing them, and refusing to hear their legal cases. Ironically, this is the exact opposite stance that God had told them to take towards the poor. Judah was to be just and to care for and protect the rights of the needy. The very opposite was happening during the ministry of Isaiah.

            As I reflected on this, I wonder if 21^st century American Christians are really all that different than 8^th century Judahites. Of course, we are not openly taking advantage of the poor like they were. We aren’t refusing to hear their legal cases. We are not literally confiscating their land. At the same time, I think we could still be considered oppressors of the needy. Because of our lives of excess and because of our general neglect of the needy, we are at least indirectly oppressing the poor. When we continually choose to spend money and resources on ourselves in excess of what we really need, we are choosing NOT to help the needy and are, therefore, contributing to their condition. The words of Derek Webb from his album, The Ringing Bell, are especially important here:

I don’t know the suffering of people outside my front door

I join the oppressors of those who I choose to ignore

I’m trading comfort for human life

and that’s not just murder it’s suicide

this too shall be made right

We Christians should stop trading our comfort for human lives. During this time of economic crisis, our posture should be this: we trust the Sovereign God to provide and care for us, we stop excessive spending on ourselves and truly live according to our needs, and we help those who are in need.

            This is not easy. It’s not easy to say “no” to our comforts that we have grown to love. But I believe in the power of the gospel of Christ. I believe that it can change us. I believe that when we change, and the people around us change, that the world can change, and that Jesus will be glorified for all of it.