Remember the Eternal One your God. He’s the One who gives you the power to get wealth, so He can keep the covenant promises He made to your ancestors, as He is doing now. (Deuteronomy 8:18 VOICE)
The other day I heard a statistic that the top 10% of American wage earners own 88% of equities. The next 40% own the other 12%. The lowest 50% of households – those making less than $80,610 – have debt. The speaker was discussing the effects of tariffs on the economy, specifically the belief that tariffs will ease the economic burden on that lower 50% of households.
I don’t have enough knowledge to prove these particular numbers correct or incorrect, but I do see the dramatic imbalance between the “haves” and the “have nots.” Some of this difference may be attributed to education levels, family background, resources in the community, and differences in values and work ethic. Yet, God’s call on all his people – no matter the socio-economic status – is to care for those around us.
Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4 AMP)
As you know, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Throughout history, the powerful have ruled over the powerless. While the specifics may shift, the pattern remains. Efforts to “correct” this imbalance—however well-intentioned—have often led to societal corruption at best, and mass violence at worst. Attempts to redistribute wealth have sometimes discouraged work and productivity. Efforts to impose “equality” have frequently backfired, dragging everyone down except those in power—and in extreme cases, as under Stalin’s USSR, led to genocide. The truth is, people don’t agree on what’s truly “fair,” “equal,” or “just,” let alone how to help the disadvantaged in a meaningful way. Some argue that with all our technological and intellectual progress, we should be better at solving these problems. But I believe that without the Spirit of God guiding our hearts and decisions, humanity will never come to a solution that actually works.
Some socio-economic “haves” understand the Biblical principles of honoring God with their talents and wealth, and staying humble in that plenty.
“But you shall remember [with profound respect] the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore (solemnly promised) to your fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 AMP)
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth… Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:17-18 NIV)
They know that the power to make wealth is a gift given by God that comes with responsibility to care for others who may not have the same resources. Many give generously of their time, talents, and resources to bless others.
Other “haves” do not hear the cries of those who need help. Ultimately, “Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.” (Proverbs 21:13 NLT)
Today personal finances, small and large businesses, various layers of governmental influence, and worldwide economies are entangled in an extremely complex manner. Yet, no matter how complicated our economic world may be, God understands it all. Let us pray today for the “haves” and “have nots,” but especially for those whose economic, financial, and business decisions impact other people. And let us do what we can – even one person at a time – to be a blessing to those “have nots.”
Lord,
You are the Mighty One who calls all humanity into relationship with you. Your ways shine with radiant glory across the earth. Thank you for the wisdom and gifts you’ve given that enable people to create wealth. May those who prosper use their resources to bless others, not hoard them or cause harm.
We ask that your wisdom, knowledge, and discernment guide leaders in economics, business, and finance. May their decisions uplift and empower those in need, honoring their dignity without creating dependence. Break down the competitive spirit that fuels division, envy, conflict, and even violence between the wealthy and the poor.
For those overwhelmed by debt, provide the wisdom and resources they need to become free and remain financially stable. Let your spirit of compassion move through your people and your Church, so that we actively meet the needs of those with little and help improve their lives.
Teach us to honor you by offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving for whatever economic resources we have. Help us walk in your ways and experience the fullness of your abundant life here on earth. We pray this in Jesus’s name. AMEN.
The Lord, the Mighty One, is God,
and he has spoken;
he has summoned all humanity
from where the sun rises to where it sets.
From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines in glorious radiance.
For all the animals of the forest are mine,
and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird on the mountains,
and all the animals of the field are mine.
If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for all the world is mine and everything in it.
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.
If you keep to my path,
I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” (Psalm 50:1-2, 10-12, 14, 23 NLT)