Christian Economics

"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1 Cor. 10: 23,24.

Individualism has become one of the main principles of modern society. We are encouraged to pursue our own path, express our own style, seek our own pleasure. But in religious terms, individualism is the principle of Satanism, not of Christianity. As Satan rebelled against God, and sought to set himself up in His place, so does the modern principle of individualism. Each of us is our own master; each of us chooses our own path; each of us does what seems right in our own eyes; if we feel like doing what has always been regarded as immoral, it's fine as long as we don't get caught doing something illegal (and everything should be legal among consenting adults); "Do what thou wilt" is the whole of the law. Each of us is God. Everything is permissible.

Yet if we look at it from the perspective of Christ, we will see a different picture. God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten son. Let this cup pass from me, yet not my will, but thine be done. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. So then, what we might regard as permissible must be looked at not just from our individual, fleshly perspective, but in the light of Christ, and from the perspective of the good of others. Whatever we have is not our own, but a trust from God, to be used for His glory, and for the building of His kingdom. How we live, how we make and spend money, our work, our pastimes, our marriages and families; all we have and do is not for our own use and pleasure, and so cannot be judged from individual standards. We are called to be part of the body of Christ, and should seek to submit to Him as the head in all things. This means that we must often act in ways that do not reflect our immediate desires.

For example, self-interest might dictate that we should make as much money as possible, and spend it on our own pleasure. If the poor become troublesome, we can gate ourselves off from them, and enjoy life in our own way. Any luxury we desire can be ours, as long as we can pay for it. But Christ tells us we should give to anyone who asks us, and not expect a return. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Love your neighbor as yourself. And he tells the rich man, You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?

Self-interest, and often our modern culture, and even the advice columns we read, tell us that our relationships should be judged by our own desires, and not by any higher standards. If it feels good, do it. If you don't love him, leave him and find someone else. I've even seen a supposed minister say that to remain in a relationship without love is adultery. But from the perspective of Christ, and what is good for the whole society, our individual desires don't always win out above our commitments. Some things are right, such as faithfulness; and others are wrong, such as divorce and adultery. Love is not just a feeling we have, but a choice we make, and a commitment we keep. We seek to make our relationships positive and loving, but we don't just run away when things become difficult.

So, "Everything is permissible to me", but not everything is beneficial or constructive. Let us seek to make our lives conform less to the patterns of our own desires, and more to the pattern of Christ.