THE CHURCH AND ECONOMICS
“For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.”
Acts 4:36-37 (NLT)
Can a believer have economic relevance? The better question is: why not? Sometimes, we believe that being spiritual means we do not need earthly possessions. As followers of Christ, our priority is to know Jesus and make Him known (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). To do this effectively, our presence in the marketplace, our access to financial resources, and our capacity for economic influence cannot be ignored.
In the New Testament, Joseph of Arimathea was a disciple of Jesus who held both economic and political influence (Matthew 27:57). While the twelve disciples played a vital role in Christ’s ministry, it was Joseph’s societal standing that enabled him to request the body of Jesus from Pilate boldly. His example reminds us that social and economic influence can be powerful tools for the Gospel.
We must maintain a healthy balance between our relevance in the world and our dedication to preaching the Gospel. As an employee in the workplace or an employer of labour, you must strive to be the best. This is for the sake of the greater assignment you have to advance the Gospel (Ephesians 4:28). While others might be working hard for temporary gain, we labour with an eternal perspective (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).
In the early Church, the prophet Agabus foretold a great famine across the Roman Empire (Acts 11:27–30). The disciples responded by sending financial relief to believers in Judea. If the Church at that time had only prayed but lacked the resources to act, many would have suffered and probably died prematurely. Financial freedom should not be viewed as a luxury, but rather as a valuable tool.
Centuries earlier, Joseph solved an economic crisis through wise planning in Egypt (Genesis 41:33–36), thereby preserving the nation and protecting the family line through which the Messiah would come. Likewise, our current economic standing can significantly aid in the spread and preservation of the Gospel. Economic relevance is a means, not an end in itself. The missionaries who brought the Gospel to Africa were sustained by the generosity of believers who were productive in their societies.
Dear child of God, be a shining example in your world. By the Spirit of God and His wisdom, God has equipped you to command resources that can advance His kingdom. Use your skills, influence, and resources to propagate the Gospel. As you step out daily, remember that your productivity carries a greater and eternal cause in the world.
Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 112-115, Revelation 12:7-18