One of my Pastor buddies sang an acapella version of the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” at a luncheon we attended. It was a magnificent performance which stirred my soul. The Lord prompted me to concentrate on these lyrics: “All I have needed thy hand has provided.” Those words are so encouraging and comforting to me. But when we sing this triumphant piece, do we realize that we are expressing thanks to God for His commonwealth economy? If He provides His children everything they need “according to His riches in Christ Jesus”, then why strive? Why seek to security in wealth? Why are we so devoted to the acquisitive aspects of our capitalist economy?
My kingdom economics thesis is that the full expression of the Lord’s government is already in operation, although its impact is limited by the number of disciples acting as His Ambassadors. Please note that there’s no need to wait to become more holy, or to fulfill some Christian obligation in order to benefit from this economy. I wonder if many of us realize that this spiritual government exists and is available for implementation to those who believe. Scripture tells us, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” Although the Principles of the Kingdom economy need to be searched out, God has published them in His Holy Bible. It is for us, in this modern age, to uncover and broadcast their value to those who are receptive.
The worst alternative to this Kingdom commonwealth economy is one that has been cursed, the one introduced by Adam, where we earn bread by the “sweat of our brow.” The diabolical fulfillment of this curse is communism, primarily designed by Karl Marx. The fundamental economic premise of communism is that wealth is limited in scope and unfairly distributed, and that only a wise bureaucracy can oversee the production AND distribution of national wealth. Socialism, currently in vogue among universities, is a close cousin, allowing for regulated production, but providing heavy taxes to ensure redistribution of wealth. Unbelievers are stuck with the Adamic sweat-of-your-brow system. However, the Kingdom economy is built entirely differently, leaning on principles such as instantaneous supply and the liberty offered to the sons of the King.
Of course, if one is still seeking the full, material expression of the American Dream, then I confess the Kingdom Economy may not be suitable. Scripture declares, “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus,” and warns us not to “lay up treasures in Earth.” Unfortunately, this opposes the self-indulgent excess that marketers hope we pursue. Jesus encouraged us to, “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (necessary material needs) will be provided.” There is nothing celebrating poverty in this verse. However, the priorities are transparently obvious. He is saying, when the government of God (which rests on the shoulder of His Son the Christ) holds primacy in your life, you may rightfully expect supernatural supply lines to open.
Jesus taught us to pray, “let your Kingdom come to Earth and let your will be implemented just as it is in heaven.” Once The Lord sees His plans are taken seriously, He understands the need to resource them. Remember, it is the Lord which gives you power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant in the earth. (Deut 8:18) Here’s the point –the Lord pays His bills. He is not a man that he should lie. He doesn’t set us up for failure, but rather operates with integrity when He witnesses us attempting to implement His plans.
Don’t lose out on the significant value of the Christian life. The benefits of our relationship with the Lord do not begin when our heartbeat stops. Rather, we are ‘in Christ’ at this very moment. It’s wise for us to ‘enter into’ the rest, or security, of knowing that Christ has provided us a finished work. If we partake of His resurrection power (which certainly provides believers a glorious eternal life), but likewise fail to participate in the full expression of His Kingdom, we have missed out on a huge basket of additional value. If we believe in God, but relegate Him to the hereafter, simply settling for the best which a capitalistic economy has to offer, we miss out on many benefits inherent in being His child. It’s like buying a ticket on a cruise ship, but never going to the buffet lines, thinking the food costs additional money. No! The buffet is included in the ticket price! Likewise, our Lord’s Kingdom is not a distant, mystical locale, accessible after your death, but is a very real, though unseen, government in full operation right now! His culture, provision, and principles are in effect. Your willingness to accept and act on this truth determines whether you benefit from your kingdom inheritance during this lifetime.
Conclusion – we are led by a highly motivated King who seeks to expand His influence and to accomplish His plans and purposes, but who chooses to act through His mature sons to get things done. If you are one of those people, evidenced by your willingness to perceive and implement His will, rather than your own, He will resource you supernaturally in the manner and the timing of His choosing.
