God's Economy

I want to talk about God's economy in the aspect of five principles.

Quantity of Resources

I mentioned earlier that man's economy is based on limited resources for an unlimited demand. In other words its based on the attitude of scarcity where there is only a certain amount for the massive demand. That's where one falls into the mindset of the "haves and the have nots". God's economy is based on the principle of abundance! Just as the operator of a complicated piece of machinery studies the manufacturer's manual to learn how to operate it, we need to examine the Owner's manual--the Bible--to determine how God's economy works. To understand God's economic principle of abundance, we must first understand that God owns everything. In Psalms 50: 10-11 it says, "Every animal in the forest belongs to me, and so do the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds in the mountains, and every wild creature is in my care". In Haggai 2:8 he states further, "All silver and gold belong to me". So in essence God owns everything!! When we have this mindset, we learn to let go of what we can't control. Knowing that God owns it all gives one an abundance mentality instead of a scarcity mentality leading to greed.

Ownership of Resources

 

 

With man's economy one multiplies material and capital resources. Normally a mentality develops with this that says, "get all you can and can all you get." In God's economy we not only multiply the material and capital resources, but also human resources. You may be asking, "What do you mean human resources?" In Matthew 28:19, Jesus instructs believers to go out and "teach all nations (make disciples of men)". People's hearts must change so they can be better economic actors. God's economy requires we earn money through our work. That was the charge he gave Adam in the garden. If Adam didn't work he would die. There is an old but true saying "if you don't work you don't eat". God's economic principle not only requires that we make money but disciples also. We must understand that people have greater value than money. As we multiply resources this will lead to generosity where we can build Gods' kingdom and help those who can't work. In other words we are blessed to be a blessing.

 

 

Man's economy says the ultimate goal is to be able to say we are successful. It further says success is measured by size or outward appearance. Unfortunately we all know that can be deceptive. Things are not always as they appear. I'm always reminded of the drama "The WIZ". Do you all remember that? What stuck out to me in the original 1978 movie production was that when Dorothy, the lion, the scarecrow, and tin man returned to the wizard after having defeated the Wicked Witch of the East (or was it the south, north, or west...I can't remember...lol) they find that he is nothing but a mere man....a mere mortal like they were. He had all this bark but no bite. That's how many have been living in this economy....living above their means, living under huge amounts of debt, excessive consumer spending, living an unaffordable life to impress others. In God's economy measurement is not based on success but rather faithfulness. Faithfulness is a heart-attribute. It's a heart matter because the Bible tells us that "where your treasure is there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21). One thing we have to realize is that money is the biggest competitor with God. Money erroneously promises to do what only God can do. Money promises to give one security, an identity, freedom, happiness, and respect. Only God can give those things. In God's economy we must love God not money. 1 Timothy 6:10 reminds us, "the love of money is the root of all evil". Notice the verse did not say money was the root of all evil but the love of it is. It is a heart-attitude. The purpose of commerce is not to be successful in man's eyes but faithful in God's eyes. If we are faithful with worldly wealth God can trust us with His riches (Luke 16:10-11). Money always flows towards trust. When people trust you they will give you money. God is looking for people he can trust with money.

Approach to Commerce

Man's economy is self-serving and motivated by its own needs and goals. Unfortunately most times this can lead to deception, corruption, massive debt, greed, and selfishness. These characteristics carry a tremendous cost. In God's economy the approach to commerce is much different. It's one of honesty, serving other people, and motivation by love. It's an understanding of the concept we talked about earlier regarding stewardship....handling God's blessings, God's ways, for Gods glory. Taking the right approach to commerce in God's economy causes one to realize that the gifts God gives them, if used correctly, will make room for them and bring them before great people (Proverbs 18:16).

Surviving and thriving financially can take place even in this time of fear and uncertainty by living in the right economy. The Bible tells us how to earn, spend, give, save, invest, get out of debt, and teach our children how to handle money. Everything we need to know about handling money wisely is found in the Bible. Faithfulness not success is what's required to live and thrive in God's economy.