Just as the world has an economic system, God has an economic system. However, God’s economy does not operate under the same principles as the world’s economy.
The world’s economy is based upon core beliefs like: wealth brings security; power is important; and this life is all there is.
God’s economy is based upon core beliefs like: there is a God who created the universe; security comes from God; generosity is important, and we should make our financial decisions based upon an eternal perspective.
The principles for Biblical economics come from God -- not man. Many of God’s principles do not make sense to the world, but they make a lot of sense to devoted followers of Jesus Christ. The world thinks, "why would anyone want to give a portion of their income away? That’s foolish!" But, those with an eternal perspective know that giving a portion of their income is a wise thing to do! Not only are we helping to expand God’s kingdom on this earth, but we are laying up treasure in heaven!
Let me illustrate how the two economies are diametrically opposed to each other.
AREA |
WORLD’S ECONOMY |
GOD’S ECONOMY |
| Provision | Financial Independence | God is Provider |
| Financial Security | Comes from accumulation | Comes from God |
| Mindset | On earthly things | On heavenly things |
| Possessions | 100% mine | 100% God’s |
| Problems | Keep to self | Give to God |
| Financial Freedom | External circumstances | Internal peace with God |
| Power to Live | From self | From Holy Spirit |
| Talents/Gifts | Inherited/Developed | God given |
| Store Treasure Where? | On earth | In heaven |
| Treasures | Will rot and can be stolen | Do not rot and are safe |
| Citizenship | On earth | In heaven |
| Focus | Me, Mine, Myself | God |
| Who is Served | Mammon | God |
| View of Debt | More and More | Less and Less |
| Motivated | To be served | To serve others |
| Life Spent | Acquiring things | Serving God |
| Perspective | Worldly/temporal | Eternal |
| Standards | Set by others/world | Word of God |
| Death | Fear/not prepared | Peace/prepared |
| Goals | Short range/ 50 years | Long range / eternal |
In which economy do you best identify with: God’s or the World’s?
If you are living in the world’s economy, pray and ask God to help you make the transition to living fully in His economy.
Here are five basic principles that if applied to your life will help you live in God’s economy.
1. Acknowledge God owns it all, you are a steward, and one day you will give an accounting.
2. Give to God first, not last. Begin with a tithe (10%).
3. Be a consistent saver.
4. Live within your God given means.
5. Establish clear written financial goals.