The Scourge Of Unemployment

by ELSON, T. & SHAW, T. | Category: Pressure Points | Jul 2003

Many Christians struggle with the difficulties of unemployment. However, as with all the trials of life, God can both help us through unemployment and use a period of unemployment to strengthen our spiritual walk and draw us closer to Him.

What would you do if you were given two weeks' notice of a layoff tomorrow? Would you be prepared? How would you cope? The first lesson: recognize it could happen to you. Contrary to what some Christians teach, prosperity is not a guaranteed benefit of being a Christian (1 Sam.2:7-8); many in this world live their whole lives in poverty. We are unrealistic if we think we are immune from the risk of unemployment. If we can accept the possibility, it helps us in two ways.

First, we might scale back our lifestyle to be financially prepared for an interruption in income. In the context of world poverty, this might well be an appropriate choice anyway (1 John 3:17). Therefore, avoid excessive debt either for house purchase or consumer credit; we simply do not need the biggest or the best, despite what the advertisers tell us. Living well within our means will much better prepare us for a period of financial scarcity brought on by unemployment.

The second benefit of being prepared is that we can more easily accept job loss and take steps to look for another, instead of spending weeks in emotional trauma, severely limiting the ability to market ourselves to others for employment. Bitterness about unemployment is common. Studies have determined phases of the 'termination and re-employment process'. Anger, panic, and often depression are followed by a resignation to the situation, leading to a building phase looking toward new ventures and decisions. Our ability to accept the situation affects our testimony and has a great deal to do with understanding the role work should play. Satan takes something positive (employment) and turns it into an activity that can consume us, take us away from the Lord and even affect the way we define ourselves. The ranking of individuals according to what they do for a living is definitely not a good thing (Jas.2:2-4), and a consequence is effective loss of identity if we lose our job!

When we find ourselves unemployed it is natural to ask, "Why?" Sometimes the answer can be obvious - we lacked skills or did not apply ourselves, or we were too dependent on our job and its status and not dependent enough on God. We can progress and grow closer to God through a spell of unemployment in these cases. However, there may not be a reason that makes sense to us. We must then resist the urge to blame ourselves. Rather, we should make the best of the opportunity presented by that period of unemployment and grasp opportunities to do good in our local assembly or neighbourhood.

As time progresses, unemployment generally brings financial hardship. The Lord's disciples weren't to worry about the necessities of life (Luke 12:22,23). They (and we) are assured of God's goodness in the supply of such things (Luke 12:29-31). The reality of God's promises is ours to cling to as we have opportunity to be 'lights in the world' (Phil.2:15). They are shown to be true indeed; God will provide for our every need. That provision often comes from unexpected sources. It's sometimes awkward to accept help offered because of embarrassment or pride. However, brothers and sisters are to provide for one another's needs as they are able (1 John 3:17). The church in Philippi was commended for such help (Phil.4:14-20). When offers of assistance are given, in whatever form, praise God for his unfailing promise of provision.

Be sensitive toward the unemployed, who are reminded daily about their unemployment as others go to work. Let them share their concerns and offer to pray with them - it's an example of fellowship to know that you've taken time to meet with them, and pray with them! It is uplifting for the struggling one to know of your love and practical care (1 Cor.12:26) toward them and those closely affected such as a spouse or other family members. It's also such a happy time when finally we are able to rejoice together at the end of the ordeal.

ELSON, T. & SHAW, T. | Jul 2003
Pressure Points