Notice: American Income Reduction Imminent

Why Is This Happening

Greg Ulmer
2010

Due to the national economy and globalization you can expect an income reduction. Whether through layoffs or pay freezes or self imposed, a reduction in income is upon us. Corporate America can not raise wages. In fact America has gone broke on high wages. For example, General Motors (GM) is broke and their revenue is over $180 billion a year (ie they take in over $500 million every 30 days). Similar situations are evident throughout the business world including the transportation, finance, equipment maker and real estate industries. But the problems are not limited to business. The average net worth of American citizens is dropping yearly even though foreclosures are slowing. The average savings is just starting to improve, but only because people are afraid. For Americans to “get straight” they would have to have a tremendous wage increase or a tremendous cost decrease. One of the two must happen if we are to thrive again.

Now, just suppose that God loves everyone all over the world equally. And, just suppose that American is not going to be the only country in the world to dominate business, manufacturing, labor, and industry for the next 100 years. Say God is going to let other countries get some wealth too (ie Globalization). In other words, we are not going back to the late 60s and 70s when America made the best cars, did the most manufacturing, and had plenty of jobs available on each and every corner. You could get a job stay there 30-40 years, your wages would go up every year, quality of life kept improving and your company paid for your “comfortable” retirement. Since it is the case that God loves everyone, Americans will not get significant wage increase any time soon.

Realization.
Think about it. We are not going to get a significant wage increase. God has already done that for us. But, we have become a society that is increasingly greedy, coveting what our neighbors have, requiring more and more things to be “comfortable” and hording our riches. These values have resulted in an economy of borrowing and spending. Thus,  turning our backs on the teachings of the Lord. But this just served to reveal ourselves to ourselves rather than how we are to be. We as Christians are to stand up and be the example in this economy. We must not conform to the world (Rom 12:2). God has arranged everything to allow us to shine. But understand, this is going to fight. We must focus on HIS word and successfully manage our finances. Now, is the time. HE is waiting on us. Waiting for his body to move into action and lead the way.

So, the only way America can win is with a cost reduction. This reduction must happen through reducing expenses, taxes and debt. Expenses is a minimal cut because the cost of living is increasing. We can cut taxes, but unless you have a properly structured business or a home based business there is only one other way to reduce taxes. Besides the bailout means taxes must increase at some point. We can have more success cutting debt, which is just interest on top of an expense or bill. Looking ahead 10-15 years, America will be a society that has drastically reduced cost and expenses if it is to survive. With our influence, America will survive and be more Godly.

What do we need to do ?  We need to

1. MASTER OUR FINANCES so we can leave an inheritance to our children’s children.
   This inheritance allows our grandchildren to quickly serve God rather than fretting about money and being a slave to debt (Pro 22:7). They will know to quickly eliminate any debt they must obtain and use their resources to honor the Lord. What better way to show our Love for our family than to pass on financial wisdom along with a head start in building the kingdom of the Lord.
2. TRUST IN GOD for we are HIS children and we need not be troubled (John 14:1).
   We have a protective father who has saved us, guides us and is with us at all times. He loves us even when we forsake HIM. We are free to worship and adore HIM through our thoughts, actions and deeds. So let us honor our father by faithfully trusting HIM so that we may draw closer and closer to his heart and help build his kingdom on earth.
3. USE OUR SHAPE to serve God.
   If your shape guides you to have wealth and tithe and contribute your time to build God’s kingdom, that is a wonderful thing. If your shape guides you to serve the Lord in one of the million other capacities, that is also a wonderful thing. For whatever your shape, you are to also master your income. Your mastery means you can tithe, pay for your lifestyle, build an inheritance for your grandchildren and serve the Lord according to your shape without worrying about finances. If we trust in God and follow the Bible’s teachings the body will function well and we will be a sweet fragrance unto the lord.
4. BUILD AND MAINTAIN AN EMERGENCY FUND equal to at least six months of our expenses.
   We’ll be in a position of power in our financial transactions. We’ll be able to work a debt elimination plan and build investments without expected and unexpected events derailing our plans. Do you have six months of your expenses available or are you currently executing a realistic plan to build it ?

So How do we do this ?

Please see Notice: American Income Reduction Imminent (pt2) ... How to Get Straight