THIS PAST WEEK MARKED AMERICA SAVES WEEK, but according to an article in US News and World Report, we are not doing very well at saving. The article states that the Federal government has reported “that the nation’s personal savings rate fell to negative 1 percent last year. In other words, for every $100 in disposable income workers enjoyed in 2006, they spent about $101.” The article goes on to state that “this marks the lowest household savings rate since the Great Depression.” Ouch!
Now, if we were all a little honest, we have to admit that if it were not for those generous employers who take some of our pay and “sock it away for us” for that proverbial rainy day, it would be increasingly difficult for most of us to save anything. Day-to-day living costs so much more than ever, and pile upon that the constant barrage of our consumer-driven culture, and it’s no wonder that so many find themselves only a paycheck away from living on the street.
But my purpose in writing this edition of the Shepherd’s Staff is not about opening a savings account at Bay Federal, but about the increasing our savings accounts in regards to our spiritual life. As I read the article in US News and World Report, I began to wonder how they would report the “savings rate” of the Christian church in America? Of the blessings that we have each received from the Lord this past year how is your saving rate? How have we done at turning the blessings we have been given into blessings for God and His kingdom? The Lord told Israel they were blessed in order to be a blessing, and that through them all the world would be blessed. It was through them that the saving One came.
I think it’s time for some investment in saving souls. Care to make a desposit?