Immanuel Bulletin Series:
God is not a communist! God is not a socialist! God is not a capitalist! God is “the King of glory the LORD of hosts!” He is the One who created all, to whom all things belong, and to whom all people are responsible (cf. Psalm 24). Consequently, when God addresses the issues of wealth, taxation, and social justice and proclaims divine principles, it is imperative that we listen!
The Bible informs us that God bestows wealth upon those individuals to whom He chooses to give it—“The rich and the poor have this in common, the LORD is maker of them all” (Proverbs 22:2), and “Remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). God also protects that wealth by commanding us not to steal in the 7th Commandment.
God, however, wants us to view ourselves as stewards of that wealth—individuals entrusted with it by God and responsible to God for its use (cf. Matthew 25:14-30). Consequently, He instructs us regarding the proper use of the wealth He entrusts to us and warns us against improper attitudes over against that wealth.
God teaches us to use the wealth He entrusts to us to support His Kingdom work (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1), to provide for our families (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8), to care for the poor (cf. 1 John 3:17-18), and to pay our taxes (cf. Romans 13:6-7). He warns us against greed, pointing out that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). He warns us against envy of others and coveting their wealth, stating very clearly “let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have” (cf. Hebrews 13:5). At the same time God urges us to work hard, using our time, talents, and resources in an industrious way so that we might prosper under His blessing and be in a position to help others in their need (cf. Psalm 128:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Ephesians 4:28).
Our God is aware, however, of the ungodliness of men and mankind’s frequent misuse of His blessings. He warned His Old Testament people against social injustice and the misuse of wealth. Through those warnings He warns us: “I know your manifold transgression and your mighty sins: afflicting the just and taking bribes; diverting the poor from justice at the gate…. It is an evil time…. Hate evil, love good; establish justice in the gate” (Amos 5:12-13,15). God urges us, “Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9). At the same time, God condemns showing partiality to the poor just because of their poverty. God desires impartial justice for all members of society: “You shall not show partiality to the poor man in his dispute . You shall not pervert the judgment of your poor in his dispute…. I will not justify the wicked” (Exodus 23:3, 6-7). In addition, God speaks directly to employers and employees, warning employers to treat their employees fairly, while urging employees to work diligently (cf. James 5:4; Ephesians 6:5-9).
Regarding taxation, God, who established government to protect the lives and property of individuals, recognizes the need and the right of governments to tax their citizens. He urges us as citizens to pay our taxes honestly and faithfully (cf. Romans 13:1-7).
As we create public economic policy, let us embrace those proposals that support biblical principles. Let us advance policies that encourage people to work and so with God’s blessing to accumulate wealth. Let us support policies that protect people and their wealth from those who would steal it or obtain it unjustly. Let us devise policies that encourage individuals to use their wealth properly to support their families, to support God’s Kingdom and other charitable causes, and to pay their lawful taxes. Let us uphold policies that punish evildoers, who use their wealth or seek the wealth of others in unjust ways.
As Christian citizens, we will want to bear these thoughts in mind as we consider the various candidates seeking our support for political office. While no candidates may, in fact, follow biblical principles in all areas of concern, we will want to vote whenever possible for those candidates whose views best reflect these principles, and whom we believe will best serve our country.