“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'” (James 4:13, NKJV).
A close examination of this passage from Holy Writ speaks very much of some of the gravity-defying trends in the corporate environment. Brushing aside the doom plus gloom brought about by the ensuing pandemic might be breathing in optimism, but to what degree would it be helpful? Unfortunately, it is the kind that is more than exuberant; in many ways, it is over-inflated and somewhat grandiose.
Real estate is still deemed as a premier investment in the prevailing situation. Many who join this rush for a big hunk of profits enter the market at highs that appear ridiculous; there is this argument that within twelve months, happy days are here again, and life will get back to where it was. Some market-savvy folks could probably make a killing that is on the back of picking the correct piece of property. The same would go for the punters in the cryptocurrency scene. Quick returns when they click the mouse at the appropriate moment.
Well and good! They got their money, so they go spend it. There is more than enough to buy about close to anything, if not everything. Really the case as the pandemic shows little signs of abating. For a start, some businesses have shuttered because of pandemic-induced restrictions, which more than strangulate consumer demand. The boutique around a posh precinct could be history, and the same could be said of a fine dining outlet. It could bring someone flush with cash to a boil when the money in hand cannot purchase the heart’s desires!
It gets seemingly meaner by the day. The bigger stores could have empty shelves; the next best options could have a grossly overpriced tag. More likely an instance of raving and ranting when electronic money leaves somebody’s account as a result of fourth choice! Whatever available eating-out option might yield another dismal show by way of not just price hikes but a sizeable number of not available stickers!
Is this letdown a one-off temporary ill wind that will come and then go? Afraid not! Let us examine what is driving this bugbear.
The highly restrictive nature of the countermeasures directed towards the pandemic, alongside soaring casualty rates in hospitals, has dealt a very severe blow on global if not regional supply chains. Processes that link producers to end-users are grossly impeded, and as the situation worsens – it is a matter of time before they are permanently impaired. Factories could be at below operational capacity because of lockdowns plus personnel down with the virus. These entities could be losing money to the point that they would fold up. Similarly, finished goods could idle because there is no one to unload and distribute them. The longer the wait, the more likely some merchandise could end up as trash!
As worldwide supply chains get pummeled, shortages of every sort will mushroom. Over a protracted period of time, it would simply be too much money chasing after items that become increasingly scarcer by the day. Hyperinflation! That is the future ahead. It will be on a global scale. Scenarios like these are fraught with income inequalities which, in turn, fan the flames of social unrest. History repeating itself. Except that the whole world will very much be like what North Korea or Venezuela is today! Is this a hard-to-stomach fable? Not the case. The Living Word portrays a realistic scenario in Revelation 6:6.
“And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.'”
The socio-economic model of the above-mentioned rogue countries morphs into the world standard. If there is disbelief in the possibility of this happening, then this question should be asked: Why in the world are things so rigid across the continents? Is it not happening at increasingly brute force?
Multitudes could dismiss Scriptural truths as nothing more than fairy tales. But what if these people live on to the day when all these unspeakable things envelop them like the tentacles of a horror movie monster. Then there is nowhere to run to and no place to hide! Your assets will be incapable of any measure of performance.
Our Heavenly Father always has the final word. HE is always right on the spot. Those who challenge Him ultimately lose, and Luke 12:21 says much about the futility of trusting in earthly wealth.
“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
What has been given thorough attention earlier on points to impending godless poverty, which is not only physical but spiritual – this really looks like nothing to live for.
The escape route from this looming desolation is currently still available, except that the time is running really short. Turn away from the world, which is dying. Turn to Jesus Christ, who indeed is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Maranatha
Edwin
Contact me at edwinuk13@gmail.com