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Sermon October 11, 2024
By Lay Speaker Jo Gamm Witt
God Economics is a long-range plan with a focus on eternity. This is in contrast to earthly, shorter-range economic plans. While our politicians attempt to court the middle class or the wealthy, they have not mentioned the low income or homeless. God Economics focuses on two classes of people—the rich and the poor. It is based on God’s care for and about the poor with a heavenly focus that is not related to being rich, which instead is contrary to his plan. Rather than being about getting rich—it’s about helping the poor. Rather than a “me” focus of “What can I get out of it?”, it’s a “How can I help you?” focus. Earthly wealth is not heavenly wealth—that which is of the earth is of the earth—that which is of heaven is of heaven.
Here in the United States Statista Research Department, a global data and business intelligence platform, published U.S. Wealth Distribution for the first quarter of 2024 on September 17th, which indicated that “67 percent of the total wealth in the United States was owned by the top 10 percent of earners; in comparison, the lowest 50 percent of earners only owned 2.5 percent of the total wealth.”1 Further, the report stated that in 2021 “9.3 percent of U.S. households had an annual income under 15,000 U.S. dollars.”1 The report indicates that in the past 50 years “the CEO-to-worker compensation ratio has exploded, causing the gap between rich and poor to grow, with some economists theorizing that this gap is the largest it has been since right before the Great Depression.”1 Our worldly economics is in sharp contrast to God Economics, as outlined by numerous scriptures in the bible.
God Economics is about priorities, about a heavenly focus, and about consequential judgment.
Solomon in Proverbs identified several ironies between the rich and the poor. In chapter 10 verse 15 he states that “The rich man’s wealth is his only strength. The poor man’s poverty is his only curse.” (TLB) In chapter 13 verse 7 he indicates, “Some rich people are poor, and some poor people have great wealth!” (TLB) In chapter 22 verse 16 Solomon asserts that “One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.” (NIV) Further, Solomon states in chapter 28 verse 11 that “Rich men are conceited, but their real poverty is evident to the poor.” (TLB)
Solomon also recognized the ironies of acquiring earthly wealth. In evaluating all his hard work and labor, Solomon bemoaned that it was all meaningless because when he died, it would all be left behind to those who had not toiled for it (Ecclesiastes 2:18-22). In Proverbs 23:4-5 Solomon further asserted the futility of trying to get rich as being a waste of time because it can easily disappear.
God Economics is about priorities. Despite his own wealth, Solomon recognized in Proverbs 3:13-15 that happiness comes from having good judgment and common sense, rather than from being immensely rich, and that wisdom is “more valuable than precious jewels.” (TLB) In Proverbs 22:1 Solomon prioritized having a good name over having great riches, being “held in loving esteem” (TLB) as having greater value than silver or gold. And Solomon indicates in Proverbs 28:6 that it is “Better to be poor and honest than rich and a cheater.” (TLB) In Proverbs 28:21 he admonishes us that “Giving preferred treatment to rich people is a clear case of selling one’s soul for a piece of bread.” (TLB)
Jesus also addressed economic priorities. In Matthew 6:24 he said, “You cannot serve two masters: God and money. For you will hate one and love the other, or else the other way around.” (TLB). Similarly in Luke 16:13 Jesus said, “For neither you nor anyone else can serve two masters. You will hate one and show loyalty to the other, or else the other way around—you will be enthusiastic about one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (TLB) In Matthew 19:16-30 and in Mark 10:17-27 we read about how a rich man had approached Jesus, inquiring about what he must do to be saved. After Jesus’ reply about obeying the commandments and the man’s response that he obeyed every one, Jesus told him to go and sell all that he had and to give the money to the poor and he would be saved, but the man walked sadly away. Jesus then spoke with his disciples about how difficult it is for the rich to enter heaven. Being rich was a higher priority for the man than being saved—money was his master rather than God. In Luke 8:14 Jesus talks about how God’s words and faith in Him can be “choked out by worry and riches and the responsibilities and pleasures of life.” (TLB) In Luke 12:15 Jesus warns us that “real life and real living are not related to how rich we are.” (TLB) Jesus tells a story in Luke 12:16-21 about a rich man with plans of building bigger barns to store his overflow of crops, and God’s response being that he’d die that night, not able to take any of it with him, so that it is foolish to get “rich on earth but not in heaven.” (TLB) We read in Luke 16:11-12 Jesus’ indication that those untrustworthy with worldly wealth will not inherit heavenly riches.
Paul also wrote about economic priorities. In his first letter to Timothy, he indicated that those who long to be rich will engage in “all kinds of wrong things to get money, things that hurt them and make them evil-minded and finally send them to hell itself. For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin. Some people have even turned away from God because of their love for it, and as a result have pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10, TLB) In verse 17 Paul admonished for the rich not to be proud nor to trust in their money because their money would soon be gone; rather, that “their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” (TLB) In Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, he admonished them to “Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13: 5, TLB)
In James 2:1-9 James wrote against showing favoritism to rich people while looking down on the poor, illustrated by telling about contrary treatment of those coming to church: “If a man comes into your church dressed in expensive clothes and with valuable gold rings on his fingers, and at the same moment another man comes in who is poor and dressed in threadbare clothes, and you make a lot of fuss over the rich man and give him the best seat in the house and say to the poor man, ‘You can stand over there if you like or else sit on the floor’—well, judging a man by his wealth shows that you are guided by wrong motives.” James further states that “God has chosen poor people to be rich in faith, and the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs, for that is the gift God has promised to all those who love him. And yet, of the two strangers, you have despised the poor man. Don’t you realize that it is usually the rich men who pick on you and drag you into court? And all too often they are the ones who laugh at Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear. Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord’s command, ‘You must love and help your neighbors just as much as you love and take care of yourself.’ But you are breaking this law of our Lord’s when you favor the rich and fawn over them; it is sin.” (TLB)
The priorities of God Economics is about weighing the short-term earthly value of riches in contrast to the long-range reward of spending eternal life in heaven. We cannot serve two masters.
God Economics dictate that we care for the poor. There are many verses in the bible that indicate God’s love and care about the poor, that admonish us to take care of them.
In 2 Samuel 2:8 we read from Hannah’s prayer about how God “lifts the poor from the dust—yes, from a pile of ashes—and treats them as princes sitting in the seats of honor. For all the earth is the Lord’s and he has set the world in order.” (TLB). David in Psalm 14:6 tells us that God “is the refuge of the poor and humble when evildoers are oppressing them.” (TLB). Further, when David was poor and weak, he recognized God’s care about the poor, stating, “the Lord is thinking about me right now!” - Psalm 40:17 (TLB)
God cares about the poor and expects us to care about and for them as well. In using our resources, Jesus stated in Luke 12:48b: “Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.” (TLB)
God’s economic plan of caring for the poor is even addressed in the Old Testament. On Mount Sinai God gave Moses instructions for the people that included, “If your brother becomes poor, you are responsible to help him; invite him to live with you as a guest in your home. Fear your God and let your brother live with you; and don’t charge him interest on the money you lend him. Remember—no interest; and give him what he needs, at your cost: don’t try to make a profit!” (Leviticus 25:35-37, TLB) In Deuteronomy 15:7-11 Moses in relaying the laws the Israelites were to obey when they arrived to the Promised Land, included: “But if, when you arrive in the land the Lord will give you, there are any among you who are poor, you must not shut your heart or hand against them; you must lend them as much as they need. Beware! Don’t refuse a loan because the year of debt cancellation is close at hand! If you refuse to make the loan and the needy man cries out to the Lord, it will be counted against you as a sin. You must lend him what he needs, and don’t moan about it either! For the Lord will prosper you in everything you do because of this! There will always be some among you who are poor; that is why this commandment is necessary. You must lend to them liberally.” (TLB)
David in Psalm 41:1-2 spoke of God blessing “those who are kind to the poor” and saying that He will help “them out of their troubles,” will protect and keep them alive, and will honor them publicly while destroying their enemies’ power.
Solomon mentioned caring for the poor in several Proverbs. In chapter14 verse 31 he asserts that “Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God.” (TLB) Further, Solomon indicates in chapter19 verse 17 that “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (NIV) In chapter 22 verse 9 he states “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” (NIV) And Solomon in Proverbs 28:27 states that “If you give to the poor, your needs will be supplied! But a curse upon those who close their eyes to poverty.” (TLB)
Jesus also addressed God’s will that we care for the poor. In Matthew 5:42 Jesus told us to “Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” (TLB) Further, in Luke 6:30 Jesus stated to “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” (NIV) In Luke 12:33 Jesus challenged us to “’Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will fatten your purses in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them. Your treasures there will never disappear; no thief can steal them; no moth can destroy them. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.’” (TLB) In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus said “Then he turned to his host. ‘When you put on a dinner,’ he said, ‘don’t invite friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors! For they will return the invitation. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the godly, God will reward you for inviting those who can’t repay you.’” (TLB)
John the Baptist in Luke 3:11 admonished us that “’If you have two coats,’ he replied, ‘give one to the poor. If you have extra food, give it away to those who are hungry.’” (TLB)
Luke wrote in Acts 20:35 about his being a constant example of helping the poor, himself remembering Jesus’ statement that “‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (TLB)
Paul wrote about sharing what we have with others in his second letter to the Corinthians. In chapter 9 verse 6, he wrote, “But remember this—if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much.” (TLB) And in 9:7-9, Paul wrote that “Everyone must make up his own mind as to how much he should give. Don’t force anyone to give more than he really wants to, for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes. God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more so that there will not only be enough for your own needs but plenty left over to give joyfully to others. It is as the Scriptures say: ‘The godly man gives generously to the poor. His good deeds will be an honor to him forever.’” (TLB) In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he admonished, “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well.” (1 Timothy 6:18-19, TLB)
James also wrote about caring for the poor, in James 2:15-16 stating: “If you have a friend who is in need of food and clothing, and you say to him, ‘Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat hearty,’ and then don’t give him clothes or food, what good does that do?” (TLB)
God Economics isn’t about how much we can gain for ourselves—it is about sharing what we have with those in need.
As is true of any economic plan, it’s important to consider whether the plan has a long-range or short-range focus. God Economics is a long-range plan with an eternity focus.
Jesus in his sermons and discussions with his disciples gave us insights as to God’s long-range economic plan. In Matthew 6:19-21 he told us that earthly treasures erode away or may be stolen, that earthly treasure is not a secure investment, whereas having a heavenly focus will have lasting value and cannot be stolen away. Jesus said, “’If your profits are in heaven, your heart will be there too.’” (TLB) In Mark 8:35b-37 Jesus expressed that the only way to know true life is to live a godly life, admonishing that there is no benefit to gaining the whole world if it means losing your soul. In the Sermon on the Mount, in Luke 6:20b-21 Jesus indicated that the poor will inherit heaven and that the hungry will be satisfied.
Paul also wrote about having a godly, heavenly focus in economics. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Paul spoke about true richness coming from being happy and good and about how we came into the world with nothing and will leave the world in the same way, so that we should be satisfied if we have ample money for food and clothes.
God Economics dictate having a heavenly focus, of storing up treasures in heaven, being satisfied having enough without amassing riches here on earth.
Ultimately God Economics dictate accountability.
Solomon admonishes us in Proverbs 22:22-23 not to “rob the poor and sick! For the Lord is their defender. If you injure them, he will punish you.” (TLB)
Jesus gave a lengthy illustration of economic accountability in Luke 16:19-31: “’There was a certain rich man,’ Jesus said, ‘who was splendidly clothed and lived each day in mirth and luxury. One day Lazarus, a diseased beggar, was laid at his door. As he lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. Finally the beggar died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham in the place of the righteous dead. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went into hell. There, in torment, he saw Lazarus in the far distance with Abraham. ‘Father Abraham,’ he shouted, ‘have some pity! Send Lazarus over here if only to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in these flames.’ But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us, and anyone wanting to come to you from here is stopped at its edge; and no one over there can cross to us.’ Then the rich man said, ‘O Father Abraham, then please send him to my father’s home— for I have five brothers—to warn them about this place of torment lest they come here when they die.’ But Abraham said, ‘The Scriptures have warned them again and again. Your brothers can read them any time they want to.’ The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham, they won’t bother to read them. But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will turn from their sins.’ But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even though someone rises from the dead.’” (TLB)
James also addressed our economic accountability in James 5:1-5, stating, “Look here, you rich men, now is the time to cry and groan with anguished grief because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is even now rotting away, and your fine clothes are becoming mere moth-eaten rags. The value of your gold and silver is dropping fast, yet it will stand as evidence against you and eat your flesh like fire. That is what you have stored up for yourselves to receive on that coming day of judgment. For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. Their cries have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. You have spent your years here on earth having fun, satisfying your every whim, and now your fat hearts are ready for the slaughter.” (TLB)
God Economics dictate that when we die, we will be held accountable for how we used our resources during our earthly lives.
There are many ways that we can live out God Economics. For many years when I’d look at my paystubs, I had resented how much of my income went for taxes and bemoaned how much more I would make if there wasn’t so much tax withheld. I realized recently that for awhile now I no longer even notice the taxes, that I’ve come to feel like taxes are our contribution to society, to the betterment of the whole and to caring for the underprivileged. But there are other more direct ways that we can help those in need, such as donating to organizations that help the poor, participating in events that benefit the poor, or offering direct assistance to someone you meet who is in need.
I have heard it said you can tell a lot about a person by how they spend their money. How are we using our resources? According to worldly economics with their short-range focus, or according to God Economics with a focus on eternity? What are our priorities? Storing up treasure here on earth to be left behind to others, or storing up treasure in heaven by helping the poor?
Where your heart is, there will be your treasure. May we live out God Economics and use our resources accordingly.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
(TLB) – The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
(NIV) - Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
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