We know how this ends. Part 2.

If we believe in the Bible, we know how this world ends. Just when Israel is on the brink of annihilation, Christ will come and usher in 1,000 years of peace. At some point between then and now, a lot of bad stuff that will happen. The problem, which I think about a lot, is how to get my family safely from now to then.
Trusting “in the arm of flesh,” which I take to mean trusting in our own abilities and resources, or in the resources of governments, is a losing strategy. Still, it makes no sense to do nothing and simply hope God will save us from every inconvenience. The most logical course of action is, I think, is to trust in God, live good lives, stay cheerful, and prepare for whatever might happen.

So, what will happen? In addition to wars, earthquakes, plagues, and pestilences, there are bound to be a few inconveniences. The Internet might go down for a day or two, the cable could go out, and phone service might be spotty. The DVR might miss a few shows. Costco might stop giving out all those free samples.

In case you are wondering, I am not just trying to be funny. I want you to know that I know how ridiculous it is for me to try to avoid every difficulty. I know how foolish it is for me to think I could keep our savings intact in a complete financial meltdown.

What do I mean by a “complete financial meltdown?” The US dollar would become worthless, as would every other paper currency. If there is a severe shortage of food, precious metals would likely be worth very little. Any dollar denominated savings and investments would evaporate overnight. We would have to barter with what we have for what we need. Our survival would likely depend on how well we and our families, friends, and neighbors could work together to help one another. We would likely have to learn to live for an extended time without electricity, heat, air conditioning, or running water.

When could we expect such a meltdown? I have no idea. Lately we certainly seem to be intentionally speeding toward our national financial ruin, but the process could take ten or twenty years. The Zimbabwe dollar is still worth something. A fifty trillion dollar note is still worth 50 cents or so. We are so conditioned to value currency even when it has no intrinsic value that it will take some time for everyone to understand and believe how bad things are.

In the meantime, we can enjoy and perhaps even profit from our follies. As I quoted in the last email, “If you prepare for the end too soon, you could miss a lot of good trades.” I also like to compare our situation to a game of musical chairs. We might as well enjoy the music, even if all the chairs are gone. Pete