It’s hard not to predict another market melt-down. The stock market reflects hopes and dreams, and we look to be entering a hopeless nightmare.

The only thing that’s increasing is government spending, and that hurts all but those who receive the spending. It used to be that the economy was based on fulfilling wants and needs. Now, it’s based on whatever the tax-addicted can get away with taking.

No one is safe, not even the weaker tax addicts. As this increasingly carnivorous economy continues to devour itself by taking what’s been made rather than making more, we may be reminded of various Roman Emperors who spent more than they took in. The budgets could only be balanced by invading other countries, looting property, and selling as many as possible into slavery. When there were no foreign countries to loot, cash-strapped Emperors began waging war on their own people.

Nero was driven to burning Rome. While the ashes were still smoldering, he passed a law making it illegal for anyone to clean up their own property. His employees did that, sifting through the ashes to confiscate whatever valuables and bits of precious metal that could be found. He cleaned up by cleaning up.

Today, our own assets are less safe than ever. Fortunately, God has not changed, and loves us just as much whether we’re rich or poor. It’s a good thing, because we’re all going to be poorer.

Author's Notes:

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