How do individuals position themselves to thrive in a world that is characterized by chaos?

1. A Biblical (Christian) Perspective on
surviving an Economic Downturn

Diligently, Seek First a Right Relationship with God (Luke
12: 22 – 31; John 15: 1 - 10).

Live a Passionate, Vocational life (Deuteronomy 6:5;
Colossians 3:17).

Live a Simple Life; particularly in respect of our possessions
and eating habits (Luke 12:15; Proverbs 22:4; 23: 20 -21)

Be a vital member of a community of faith that reflects
godliness on earth (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:42; James 1:27).

2. A Biblical (Christian) Perspective on
surviving an Economic Downturn

Give our tithes & offerings cheerfully and generously toward the
Mission of the Church (I Corinthians 16:2; II Corinthians 9:8
– 15).

Personally bless our pastors / mentors (I Timothy 5: 17 – 18; 2
Kings 4).

Work as unto the Lord. Our goal is Excellence, which experts
say require us to spend 10, 000 hours in disciplined practice
within our chosen field (Colossians 3: 23 – 24).

Spend time in Prayer for our Leaders (Political, Business,
Community, Cultural, Religious, Youth, etc.) that we may lead a
quiet and peaceable life (I Timothy 2: 1 – 3); especially, Ask
God for Wisdom (Proverbs 16:3; James 1: 5).

3. A Biblical (Christian) Perspective on
surviving an Economic Downturn

Progressively Grow in our Love and Service toward others
(John 13: 34 – 35; Matthew 20: 26 – 28; Galatians 6:9; 1
Peter 4: 8-11).

Cherish Significant Others in the living years (Genesis 2:18; I
Timothy 3:4).

Pay Careful attention to our health (I Corinthians 6: 19 – 20).

Be an Advocate for Social Justice (Isaiah 10: 1 – 2, Proverbs
21:13; proverbs 22:22; Luke 4:18).

4. A Biblical (Christian) Perspective on
surviving an Economic Downturn

Purpose to Bring Added Value to the Market Place
 Get a General Education (Learn to read, write, and count
properly; and learn to think critically);

Specialize in a sub-set of our chosen field – e.g. in
Computing (Accounting Information Systems,Statistical
Information Systems, etc.), or in Journalism (Religious
Affairs, Entertainment, Crime, etc.).

Aim to be among the Top 10 % of persons in our chosen
field and / or in our organization – if there is a needed
deliverable, the organization should call our name as a
possible solution provider. Remember the 80 / 20 rule
(Pareto Principle); to be successful, we need to be among
the 20 percent! (Matthew 10:16; Proverbs 22:29).

5. A Biblical (Christian) Perspective on
surviving an Economic Downturn

Look within ourselves for our gifting and talents ( Psalm 139:14) and strive
for 4 streams of income – Bishop T.D. Jakes tells us that if we would
experience Paradise, remember that 4 rivers watered Eden! ( Genesis 2: 10 –
14).

Note well Susannah Wesley’s advice to her children – Earn as much as you
can; Save as much as you can (invest wisely); Give as much as you can ,
especially to the needy (Ecclesiastes 10:19)

Network with family and friends to form a Team that celebrates successes,
shares burdens, provides counsel, alerts on job openings or business
opportunities, and keeps us informed. (A team is formed to take advantage
of the power of synergy, which means that the total is greater than the sum
of its parts.) (Proverbs 17:7; Proverbs 27:10)

Avoid debt, where possible (Romans 13:8; Proverbs 22:7).

6. A Biblical (Christian) Perspective on
surviving an Economic Downturn

Migrate in extreme circumstances (Genesis 47:4; Genesis
46:3).

Hold fast to Biblical Values – e.g. Love, forgiveness, mercy,
reconciliation, restoration, righteousness, justice, charitable
giving, courtesy, truth, etc. (Mark 8:36; Psalm 119:9;
Proverbs 3:1 -5, I Peter 3:8).

Always be thankful for what we have been allowed (God's
benefits), and always express our thanks publicly – I
recommend a public Thanksgiving with our Team annually (I
Thessalonians 5:18).

Have faith in God (Habakkuk 2:4; Mark 11:22-24; Romans
8:28).

7. A Biblical (Christian) Perspective on
surviving an Economic Downturn

Migrate in extreme circumstances (Genesis 47:4; Genesis
46:3).

Hold fast to Biblical Values – e.g. Love, forgiveness, mercy,
reconciliation, restoration, righteousness, justice, charitable
giving, courtesy, truth, etc. (Mark 8:36; Psalm 119:9;
Proverbs 3:1 -5, I Peter 3:8).

Always be thankful for what we have been allowed (God's
benefits), and always express our thanks publicly – I
recommend a public Thanksgiving with our Team annually (I
Thessalonians 5:18).

Have faith in God (Habakkuk 2:4; Mark 11:22-24; Romans
8:28).