Questions and opinions abound concerning the nature and cure of our present economic woes. 

Why does relatively high unemployment persist, even as the stock market soars to new heights? Government should create more jobs, or get out of the way and let private enterprise do its work. What will the government do next to “stimulate” economic growth? Let’s get those shovels ready! When will the next trillion be added to our national debt? Why do they never have the brand of ice cream I want?

And so on.

Christians, of course, understand that God is sovereign over all aspects of human life, including their economies. We might suppose that, should He see something in a nation’s economy that displeased Him, He might try, let’s say, sending us a message. Like those unsolicited download patches that fix some glitch in your operating system, or some app.

Does God do that? Does He interpose His will into national economies in an attempt to nudge people toward a more just and loving society?

From what we read in the Law of God, we might suppose it is so. Consider these two excerpts from Deuteronomy:

“‘At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.’” (14.28, 29)

“When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the LORD your God may bless you in the work of your hands.’” (24.19)

In each of these cases, the blessing on work – economic wellbeing – depends on the overall shape of a society. According to what we read here, God may withhold blessings on our work when we are not just toward certain people in our midst. Allow me to raise some questions suggested from these two passages, which seem to have a bearing on our own economy.

Is this country as friendly to “strangers” and “sojourners” as the Scriptures expect? Do we love them as we love ourselves? Are we ready to help, either by making work available or by providing for their needs out of the wealth and services of local communities? Or do we look on foreigners as unwanted, a threat to our own prosperity, a source of crime rather than a blessing of God sent from another land?

And what about the poor and needy? Have we overdone welfare so much – more people on food stamps than ever, almost 50 million! – that we are discouraging the poor from seeking work? Have we created an entitlement mindset that will take another generation to reverse, simply because we have found it easier to let government support the poor rather than to seek creative ways of helping them to find work?

Has our devotion to an economy driven by profit and gain left us insensitive to the needs of others, more concerned about our own wellbeing than our neighbor’s?

God’s ways are mysterious, but His views on certain matters are clearly revealed in His Word. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so it makes sense that, when things don’t please Him, He should “adjust the nobs” a bit.

But if we are not willing to consider that His Word is truly given to enable and equip us for every good work – including the workings of our economy – then we will not be likely to look to that Word for solutions in our times of confusion, uncertainty, or distress.

Which is where our national leaders are at present. As a nation, we are beset with woes. Yet who among our national leaders – whether in the media, academe, government, or enterprise – would take seriously the suggestion that we consult the Word of God for solutions?

Indeed, who among the Christian community even believes this?

Next steps: Ask you pastor or some church leader about the sovereignty of God over a nation’s economy. Does He, or does He not have authority to “tweak” a nation’s doings from time to time?

Does the Law of God speak to our economic and ethical needs? Order your copy of The Ground for Christian Ethics, and join a lively conversation on this topic. Available at out online story by clicking here.