Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
I have no problem with "God's economy" as a term. But "almost literal translation" is often not the best. Especially when you put it up against a word that most people automatically think of only one thing when the word has a much more general meaning.
Economy is generally thought of as the monetary and commercial system. But it really deals with everything in which resources must be rationed, or choices need to be made between available alternatives. There is an economy of time, of resources, of leisure, of work, and so on. Every time you choose, it is an issue of economy. If you must choose, then you must not be able to do all, take all, afford all, etc. And the process of choosing is part of "economy."
So the way that everything plays out in our lives is a matter of economy. And among the choices we constantly face are choices between right and wrong, righteousness and unrighteousness (and nothing in particular), a mind set on the Spirit or a mind set on the affairs of this life, and so on. God's economy is how it works out on the side of righteousness (still choices here), with a mind set on the Spirit, keeping that connection with God active in whatever way you do it. And it includes the ways that God provides teachers for us to listen to, the way he takes sides or allows things to run their natural course. It is robust. It includes our obedience in loving both God and others. And we fool ourselves about our love for God if we don't actually do things that shows love for others.
Telling the unemployed homeless person that appears at the door of the house on the church property asking for help that it is "not the business of the church" is casting great doubt on the value of any so-called "dispensing" that has been going on. That is clearly not God's economy. And I'm not saying that simply giving him whatever he wanted is either. But essentially chasing him off with a rebuff surely is not it.
And it happened just like that in Dallas. The leading brother responsible for it told the story himself. He was proud of his lack of love for a neighbor.
|
I'm not buying this, or that story.
Numerous times I have had "homeless people" come to the door for help. One time while I was listening to one, another brother threw him out. He had a nasty encounter with him just days ago. One time I spent almost a whole day with another brother in need of money. All I ended up doing was helping him get drunk ... again.
I'm not saying the church should be callous to the needy. I am good friends with a brother who cooks for the homeless ministry. They have learned to follow strict guidelines in their ministry. One thing they never give away or carry is money. Absolutely no cash! Clothing is good, home-cooked meals are great, blankets and shoes, but no money. Let me repeat, no money.
Did I leave out that their real burden to preach the gospel and to "dispense" Christ in their gospel dinners?
Sorry to say, but your thoughts on God's economy are far too focused on money and commerce. Cannot you at least agree that the English word
economy comes from the Greek word
oikonomia, which is the very word Paul used?