Serving Bread

The economy is big news. Apart from the weather (for those of us who live in Southern California), economics dominates the headlines. As the fears and the impact of the recession widens, not only are we inundated with what used to be mundane economic data, but many of us are able to personalize the state of the economy.

My state has struggled to put together a budget that reflects our economic downturn and national leaders have just passed a nearly $1 trillion stimulus package to help the American economy bounce back and strengthen again.

While there are smart individuals who are influencing economic policy at all levels of government, the most important economist is the individual. The individual has the power to choose how he or she will respond to times of plenty and times of want. The individual can direct his or her money in such a way as to bring transformation or continue oppressive policies. Unfortunately, I think too many of us spend more of our energy demanding change at various levels of society and criticizing ideas and programs, without extending judgment first and foremost upon ourselves.

In addition to individuals, small communities (and I think this is where the church should be much more proactive in its leadership) within society should lead in how we handle economics. The people of God throughout the history of scripture have often held to an economic model far different than the societies of which they were a part. And in his teaching, Jesus empowered and exhorted his followers to consider spending their money in a way that contrasts with the world around them. The new economists are these individuals and communities who seek God and Biblical models of doing economics.

In my estimation, new economists should:

• Make the goal of our finances to give away as much money as possible. John Wesley has inspired me in this area. The world will tell us that we should make as much money as possible first to build security for us and our loved ones, and second to enjoy life to it’s fullest. Yet Jesus would say, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19.21
• Spend less and live simply. Economists from all walks of life agree that the American economy relies on consumers spending their money. The Bush tax cuts and rebates and (whatever benefits we may get from Obama’s policies) are intended to put more money in our pockets so that we can spend that money to help the economy. Not only is this strand of American economics is rarely challenged by the church, most people within the church consume just as much as those outside of the church. Let the world spend much and live large. Let us spend less and live simply.  In addition to having a lifestyle of simplicity, I propose to take a consumption sabbath once a week. This would entail not spending any money one day a week.
• Bless one another. Not many church communities are doing this, but it would be a powerful testimony to the community and it would strengthen the church community if churches set up systems of providing members with low-interest loans to start businesses or buy homes. In other words, needs are met within the community.
• Tithe time to the community. If we Christians are truly salt of the earth, Jesus reminds us that we are a value-added benefit to society. I agree with Jesus. Many Christians believe we ought to withdraw from society to protect ourselves and our families (especially children) from the influences of the evil one. It seems to me that the evil one should be fleeing from our influence. We ought to tithe our time to assist and bless local organizations—whether it be a school or shelter. While the stimulus cash may be useful to public work projects or assist the needy, perhaps we ought to be the stimulus that cares for the least of these.
• A theology of possessions. It is unfortunate that American economic philosophy has permeated Christian economic thought. Our possessions are not ours, for everything belongs to God. We are merely stewards of God’s things (Psalm 50). We need to recapture this theology. This will press those who “have” far more than those who “have not.” We need to pray for those who have much that they may lead the way in inspiring and modeling a theology of stewardship. God reminds us that “every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills” Psalm 50.10

Our economic policy begins first and foremost with us. As followers of Jesus, our principles should align far more closely to the teachings and person of Jesus than anything else that this world offers.