Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5
“Most Christians are not only influenced by the Bible, but also by the cultural elements and the capitalist social system. In particular, they give priority to the right of individual ownership, which is emphasized by capitalism. However, the concept of stewardship is to govern and manage the mandated wealth appropriately according to the will of the owner…
The material and wealth given by Creator God must be shared with the poor neighbors. The rich are easy to oppress the poor. The rich can act unjustly to accumulate their wealth and neglect to fulfill their responsibilities to their neighbors. Neither the rich nor the poor can escape death and judgment, and at that moment possessed riches are of no value…
Christians should take social responsibility for neighbors by practicing justice with generosity and compassion with the wealth given by God. Therefore, riches are resources for serving others. Christians should not despise or discriminate the poor because it is seen as a crime against God. When accumulating wealth, one should not abuse their authority or wage exploitation of those who are under their influence…
A steward should embrace the life of frugality, generosity, and sufficiency. Paul encouraged Christians to be generous and be satisfied about their wealth. He also warned them by referring to those who have desire for wealth is coveted, and greed is idolatry. Greed makes people to love money by moving people away from God’s love…”
Kwang Lee, economist for The Korea Economic Daily and student at Torch Trinity Graduate University, in his Philosophy of Biblical Stewardship paper dated 2 July 2017. It’s not everyday you have a student who works for the leading financial publication in the nation in which you are teaching. Lee is not only a brilliant economist; he has taken hold of life in God’s economy.
Here he brings out the critical distinction between the Christian and the capitalist. The earthly economic system emphasizes “individual ownership” while God’s design is rooted by “the concept of stewardship” and backed by His love. Through the paper and this course, Lee discerned rightly the role of the steward as “practicing justice with generosity and compassion” and to treat people with fairness rooted in lifestyle of frugality.
For Lee, we are either moving toward greed or toward God. Which way are you moving?
Jenni, Sammy, Sophie and I have arrived safely at Camp Spofford at Spofford Lake, New Hampshire (pictured above) where I will teach eight times over the next six days at Family Camp on “Spiritual Formation for Families” from Deuteronomy 6:4-9. I’d appreciate your prayers for the Holy Spirit to speak through me (and my family members as they will assist me). Pray also for receptive hearts and a refreshing week. Thanks.