Lethargy and Oil-Slick Slopes

From My Perspective - - -

There are many contributing factors when it comes to one being lethargic. The word by definition means: “the quality or state of being drowsy and dull, listless and unenergetic, or indifferent and lazy; apathetic or sluggish inactivity.” It can also include preoccupation with other and lesser things. One’s priorities have become skewed towards the mediocre or unimportant.

The United States has become inundated with Presidential politics to the degree and point that it has resulted in lethargy for far too many. We are living in momentous times – but – few seem to grasp the significance of it, nor do they sense the peril by which we are now surrounded. Consider just three major areas for focus and concern: (1) the on-going challenge of The War on Terror, and the objectives of Militant Islamists; (2) the manipulation of world-wide oil production and the price destabilization (at one point yesterday, the price of a barrel of oil increased by $25.50 a barrel); and (3) the financial meltdown and institutional bankruptcy. Meanwhile, the Congressional leaders are asking for more oversight of the affairs of our nation without admitting their lethargy that allowed for the Energy and Financial Crises during their watch. When its almost too late, the cry is for greater regulation is chanted.

With Lethargic mindsets and orientation, while oil prices are soaring and mortgage foreclosures are increasing, the Congress with oversight decides to go on a five-week hiatus. When they return, not only has their approval rating declined to 9%, but oil prices have escalated even more and the financial crisis has greatly worsened. In the area of Energy alone, the daily production of oil is approximately 82 million barrels a day. The nations with the greatest oil reserves are: Saudi Arabia with 22.3 %; Iran with 11.2%; Iraq with 9.7%; Kuwait with 8.4%; United Arab Emirates with 8.3%; Venezuela with 6.5%; etc. What’s wrong with this picture? Why should this be a priority for our nation? Is lethargy acceptable? One obvious point is that the major oil reserves are held and controlled by nations and people who are hostile to Christianity on the one hand, and Democracy on the other. Compounding this issue is that the United States ranks 12^th in terms of oil reserves but ranks 1^st in Oil Consumption every day. 25% of all oil production is consumed by the United States every day. The cost to the United States to import this oil is currently $700 Billion per year.

A statement in I Thessalonians 5:3 (from The Message Paraphrase) is: “About the time everybody's walking around complacently, congratulating each other - We've sure got it made! Now we can take it easy! - suddenly everything will fall apart. It's going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman.” In Matthew 24:32 through 47, Jesus is attempting to gain the attention of a lethargic and complacent people. He states: “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” What thing is Jesus referring to? What event is He addressing? What conditions are prevailing in the context of his warning? Jesus continues: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

Consider these things with me - - - remembering that we live in a world where Financial Markets are unstable; Oil Markets are affecting the world’s economy; and the Christian Community is losing its focus and priority. However - God is still in control and has a certain plan (timetable) in place. In this world marked by its instability and uncertainty, your peace and confidence should be based on your relationship to Jesus Christ Who holds you safely in the hollow of His hand – the only place of stability and certainty!