I’m an eternal optimist. I use that term because i disagree with the term ‘hopeless optimist’. I prefer to find the proverbial ‘diamond in the rough’, to look on the bright side of things, to see the glass as half full, to see the way out rather than the way it is, to look to the next venture, next pursuit, next level, live for tomorrow, rise above the tide, make new memories each day, and so on!
This is how I read the Word. I see the possibilities and work to apply them to my life. In light of this, I view God’s economic theory as involving a give and take of sorts. God loves ALL His children just the same yet He gives us gifts, talents, grace, and all we need for life and Godliness – 2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:3 (CSB)
In light of this, let us review how Jesus taught on this. There are two parables that come to mind; The parable of the talents and the parable of the 10 minas. There are many more but these two should be sufficient for this analogy.
The Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30
This parable is the more commonly referenced in religious circles. A wealthy man goes away and gives a varying number of talents to 3 of his servants. One got 5, another got 2 and another got 1. On his return, he expected a return. Jesus is giving us insight into His Father’s (Our Father’s) economic theory. He gives gifts to men AND expects a return on His investment when He returns.
The gifts God gives us, as listed in scripture, are not just spiritual gifts. He gives us creativity so we can participate in extending His creation. I believe God created everything we could not or are not supposed to create in the 6 days of creation – light (sun), atmosphere, ground and plants, moon and stars, birds and sea animals, land animals and man.
Days of creation list
- Day 1: Light
- Day 2: Atmosphere / Firmament
- Day 3: Dry ground & plants
- Day 4: Sun, moon & stars
- Day 5: Birds & sea animals
- Day 6: Land animals & humans
- Day 7: The Sabbath of rest
He then allowed us to do the rest. He gave Noah designs for the Ark; He could have just built one for him! He gave Moses designs for the tabernacle; He could have just built it for him! He let David design the structure of the temple; He could have just built His own House! He wants us to use our talents to create and build a return on His investment in us. He desires to see those who are called by His name be the ones that impact the earth the most by advancing all areas of life while giving glory to God.
The Parable of the 10 Minas – Luke 19:11-27
In this parable, the king gives minas (3 months worth of wages) to his subjects and specifically asks them to put them to work ‘until he returns’. Sounds familiar? This was money, not spiritual gifts. God has given us the ability to make more from everything we’ve been given; the mind to work, the heart to love, and the skill to create.
The difference with this parable is that he gave each one the same amount. It is not realistic to think that everyone has the same level of skill, talent, and potential. It is, however, reasonable to expect that everyone has skill, talent and potential. What return we produce with it will determine how we’re judged in the end. In this parable as well, one returns 10 times what was given, a second returns 5 times as much, and a third returns nothing.
Judged for Attitude
In both parables, the judgment on the non producing servant was not a result of effort without fruitfulness. It was a judgment on their attitude. Their attitude and perception of their master kept them from even trying to produce anything. In God’s economics, unlike man’s, He doesn’t punish you for trying and not producing, He gives you many opportunities. What He punishes is a wrong attitude. The Bible lists several gross sins along with ‘contentions’ as works of the flesh. The Bible also broadly discusses unbelief as a form of wickedness.
God’s Verdict
That’s why I am a firm believer in capitalism as an economic system representing more of who God is than Socialism. I am working hard to maximize on everything God has given me, both spiritual and natural gifts, so as to give a return, in both areas, when ‘He returns’. You can too!
Nelson Masinde 