Over the past few months we have seen one of the largest economic shakeups in American history. Large financial firms that everyone thought were "too big to fail" failed. Many others survived only by being bought out or through government takeovers. Investors have seen their holdings lose considerable value; no one really wants to open up their 401(k) statements anymore. In a matter of months, we have seen one of the most pervasive myths in American culture exposed: the myth of prosperity.
It is a common belief today that the church should function as a community relief center. It is the place to go for discount clothing, day care, medical services, or a "hand out" when money gets tight. In the midst of trying to save lives, it seems many have forgotten that saving souls for everlasting life is the true mission of the church.
Unless you have been living under a rock for the past year or so, you probably already know this country is going through what many call a "financial crisis." I would argue that we have been going through a moral and spiritual crisis for much longer and is something certainly more pressing, but the crises are not unrelated. In fact, we look to God's word and find that we are not unlike Israel of old, especially as described by the prophet Amos.
