Tariffs Take Effect
U.S. tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico are now in effect, and the previous U.S. tariffs on China have been doubled. Canada and China responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, and Mexico announced it will do the same this weekend. As expected, opinions about the tariff strategy are divided among elected leaders in Washington, DC, with some saying the move is long overdue and others warning a trade war will harm U.S. consumers.
Analysis and eternal perspective: You have limited ability to impact the short-term decisions about tariffs, but this story is a perfect reminder of your responsibility to both wisely steward what has been entrusted to you (Lk. 12:48) and diligently prepare for challenges that may lie ahead (Pr. 21:20).
Proverbs 6:6-11 provides a blunt-to-the-point-of-slightly-humorous admonition to work both hard and smart:
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”
Not exactly subtle. To be honest, the candor makes me chuckle a bit, but it is a critically important reminder for us. Whether it be economic volatility because of tariffs or national security threats the tariffs are meant to address, the future holds uncertainty. Your job and mine is to plan wisely, steward well, and root our security in the eternal Kingdom (Col. 3:1-4).
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.