Prepare for the Worst—Hope for the Best
While around the world we are experiencing confinement, we are seeing the magnitude of the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. Depending on the countries, the good health of the companies, and the state decisions of economic support, some people are still obtaining their incomes with the same advantages, some received a part of their incomes before the crisis, and others are unfortunately without income and living off their savings, family support, and church or non-governmental organizations (NGO).
I do not wish to be the ominous bird, but we must prepare for the worst even as we hope for the best. According to all forecasts, we are only at the beginning of this economic upheaval. We are coming out of this period of confinement to make reality happen. Several leading sectors of the world economy—aviation, tourism, automotive, manufacturing, commerce, leisure, among others—are and will continue to be disrupted.
We all want to get back to our quiet lives before February 2020. However, some will go back to jobs with diminished benefits, declining incomes, only their basic salary, additional pressures, and increased competition between colleagues to keep their job. Others are seeing their businesses shut down and will be temporarily supported by the state. In the United States alone, we lost 20 million jobs in April. Entrepreneurs are seeing a drop in their sales figures. We should also mention escalated tensions in relations between the United States and China with recent threats of economic sanctions. Inflation is already rampant in several countries, with a volatility index favorable to the dollar against almost all currencies. And there are new expenses: protective masks, hydroalcoholic gels, disinfectant products.
Wise Solomon advises us in Proverbs 11:14,* “Where there is no counsel, the people fall.” As we prepare for the worst, I will give some practical advice, beginning with the most needed.
- Caution
If we are still collecting revenue, save. Avoid all unnecessary expenses. Our consumption habits must change. It is always advisable to have minimum savings equivalent to six months of expenses for our families. Take advantage of this period of “fat cows”[1] for a possible scarcity.
- Diligence
In His promises to the children of Israel, God desired for them to be the head. “And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them” (Deut. 28:13).
A condition accompanies this promise, but the child of God must excel and aim for the best in all areas; and in these difficult times, we must be blameless in our professions. While in some countries there is the threat of working a sixth day each week to make up for confinement, the employer will be more inclined to grant us the Sabbath off if we are among the best employees. We have to make ourselves essential to our workplace. Let’s not skimp on efforts. Do not be reluctant to work on Sundays, if need be. Let us also show solidarity with our employers by giving up certain advantages, if necessary, to ensure the sustainability of our business.
- Flexibility
As employees, we have to adapt to the situation. Do not refuse the schedule changes (I am not talking about the Sabbath). Let’s not be resistant to a change of position if it maintains our income. The grass is not always greener elsewhere. But we also have to be agile in the job market. If, in our economic sector, we lose our jobs, look for a career in other environments. Even though this is not part of our habits and requires a great deal of adaptability, in developed economies employees can know five or six trades in 40 years of employment.
And for those who own businesses, adaptability and diversification should not be in vain. While respecting our Christian ethics, we must also be able to detect new areas that are more economically viable.
- Reassessment
Whatever our professional status—employee, individual entrepreneur, or company—we must reassess our projects. If in early 2020, we had planned some expenses that require a long-term commitment, economic indicators may be too cloudy at this time to rush headlong into these projects. Governments support the economy, but this support will not be permanent. The uncertainty will generate rising costs. New construction may be more expensive; access to borrowing more difficult (even if rates remain low). A new car, a leisure trip—is it the right time? A new phone—is it necessary? To reassess means to review our priorities in all areas.
- Forecast
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?” (Luke 14:28).
This verse could also apply to point four, but we wish to approach the subject of the family budget even if the same principles can be applied within our companies. If we still do not have a budget, it is urgent to consider setting up such a tool, possibly one available from your local conference Stewardship department. A budget will allow us to know our limits. It also helps define our priorities. When communicated well with all family members, the budget will unite and convince everyone in the effort. We recommend a written budget that is consulted regularly. Solomon, as always, has a warning for us: “If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?” (Prov. 22:27, KJV).
- Reduction
The budget (point 5) will tell us what we need to do to reduce our expenses. The following lines will be challenging to read but essential and beneficial if we are lucid. Proverbs 12:9 tells us, “Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, than he who honors himself but lacks bread.”
We have to reduce our lifestyle. Identify unnecessary expenses. Is it necessary to have the most modern television? Is it necessary to have access to all the satellite TV channels? Do we absolutely need the highest data package? Do we need the latest designer clothes? The list is long and personal, but I will take an extreme example: reduction in what we buy as food. In recent years, our eating habits have evolved. We’re consuming more refined products that bring pleasure to the palate but, indeed, are not beneficial to our health. Let's be honest about our choices.
- Change
Because of this unprecedented crisis, will the world ever be the same again? It will likely experience a temporary start, but we know that the world is nearing its end. As Seventh-day Adventists, we can and must change our lives. We are emphasizing a change in our spiritual life, in our relationship with God, in our prayer life, in our commitment to proclaim the gospel. But change must also take place in our families. Each crisis creates opportunities. Did we take advantage of confinement to spend more time with our spouses, children, and parents?
We must also change our lifestyle. Why not start a vegetable garden? Reduce our food dependence, at least in part? Let’s identify areas in our life that we can positively change.
And let’s also be agents of change.
- Debt Reduction
If we are already caught in the trap of indebtedness, all the previous advice will be useful to us, but we must urgently act to reduce our debt. First, let’s identify our debt level. Take stock of hidden debts such as those involved with credit cards, payments that we have postponed in time, and loans from employers.
Once identified, let us pay off the debt that costs us the most, such as credit cards. How? Reduce expenses; consider selling one of your assets (a car, for example). Consult your banker to consolidate and renegotiate the rate. Take advantage of the various state support programs. Get professional advice. It will take courage, but the Bible teaches us that the borrower is the slave of the lender.
- Loyalty
“ ‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. And try Me now in this,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it’ ” (Mal. 3:10). Whatever our current situation, whatever our future will be, we can rely only on the promises of God. Let us remain faithful to God in our tithes and our offerings and put Him to the test. This request comes from Him. We can bear witness to it. Let us reminisce on how good God has been to our families in the past. In the present ordeal, He will continue to act in our favor; not always as we hope, but always for our good.
- Heading Elsewhere
Dear friends, our hope is elsewhere. We are pilgrims on this earth. Let us not make our earthly existence a goal. The famous French author Jean de la Fontaine, in his fable “Le Chartier Embourbé,” appeals to Hercules with this proverb, “Help yourself, heaven will help you.” Let us reject the fable as we conclude on the flawless truth of the words of Jesus. The unique and living Word of God says: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matt. 6:33, 34).
Let us seek the presence of God in our lives, in our families, in our labors, in our businesses, and all that is necessary for us will be assured. Prepare for the worst; hope for the best; take what comes, which is the kingdom of justice from God.
May God bless our families!
[1] See Gen. 41:17-36.
*Unless otherwise notes, Bible texts are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
