Facing Inflation in Malaysia
Inflation hurts everyone, and making ends meet is now slightly harder. Although the government is doing its part by keeping prices of goods and necessities under control, prices will still rise when there is a greater demand for goods and services than an increase in supply.
While Malaysia was able to maintain its rate at 2.8 percent, price increases are forcing more Malaysians to make difficult choices. How then, are Christians supposed to live out our call to trust God and be generous amidst this financial reality?
Here are three healthy perspectives about money to consider:
- Money has a very real and useful role in modern life, and there is nothing wrong with working hard and saving wisely. But instead of letting money rule our decision-making process, why not hand over the burdens of these decisions to God? Then, our plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3), including our lifestyle decisions when we walk in-step with God.
- Money is a tool but have we focused too much on it being a means, rather than an end? Money is temporary; it comes and it goes, and it is never to be trusted! Therefore, if we put our faith in something fluid that can fluctuate – deflate and inflate – we are sure to be disappointed. While it may seem like money provides for us, in actual fact, it is God who will meet all our needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
- In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenged the people of His generation – rich and poor alike – to recalibrate their value systems, that is, to not accumulate riches but to pray for “our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Herein lies a clear call to trust God wholeheartedly each day, no matter what the future holds, especially when it would seem like our “nest eggs” are getting smaller and becoming beyond our reach.
In God’s grace, we can cultivate a healthy perspective towards money and adjust our value systems – one that keeps Him, and not our cheque books or e-wallets – as the Master of our lives. Our hope is in God – who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment – and not in our wealth.
Do you know someone who will benefit from the Christian perspective of money? Download this PDF booklet ‘Money, Why is it Never Enough?’ and share it with them.
About the Author
Wan Phing Lim is a contributor to Our Daily Bread Ministries Malaysia. Born and raised in Penang, she studied Politics before turning to a career in writing. She loves coffee, books and films.
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