Jesus the capitalist

For the sake of clarity let me make this clear - I am not saying that Jesus is a member of a political persuasion or that he hates socialists or chooses sides in national disagreements. Jesus came to redeem everyone regardless of affiliation or ethnicity by offering his perfect life on a cross in exchange for each crusty one. For those who responded he began his own program on earth which he called 'the kingdom of God'. It's this 'Jesus Nation' that embraces spiritual capitalism. The 'apprentice-citizen' knows God as just & generous. God generously gives good gifts to people just as he chooses. He expects the Jesus citizen to capitalize on his gift without comparing himself to others. He does not gift all people the same - like in the Parable of the Talents. (One got 5. One got 2. One got 1.) Jesus expected a return on his investment. One turned his 5 into 10. Another turned his 2 into 4. Both were rewarded handsomely. The man who buried his talent got a stern punishment. (God is just.) He said he knew the master was 'a hard man, reaping where he did not scatter seed.' He did not see God as generous or just. Perhaps he was resentful of the fact that he only got one rather than being grateful he got one. In another story Jesus told, an 'employer', stayed up late at night eating, drinking and watching TV (ok I added that) so that he became tired and grouchy and saw his employees as irritants.  He soon began treating them in rude and abusive ways. He too received a stern punishment.  The lesson is clear: Treat everyone humanely. Jesus is not concerned that each person receive gifts of equal value as he is that each one grasp the challenge at hand and bloom where he is planted. God expects a return on his investment.  Besides, when businesses treat employees humanely and employees give an honest days work doesn't everything run a little better?

So how does this relate to the Jesus nation? 

The 'citizen-apprentice' trusts God, who for his own reasons gifts individuals and gives out different levels of responsibility and hardship. He treats everyone with dignity as a person created in the image of God, regardless of his status.The Jesus nation (of which a church was a part) is meant to have a robust economy fuelled by people with different gifts and responsibilities trusting God in risky obedience at every level.  This economy produces surprising acts of faith and generosity as each one gives God a healthy return on his investment. Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit spontaneously flow. In the Jesus nation each one is responsible to God for his own effort and anyone is welcome. It is a place where 'everyone is forcing their way in' (Lk16:16) because it's a great place to be! It is the place where everyone is respected for who they are and how they are gifted but are expected to contribute by capitalizing on how God has blessed them. Industry and joy abound and Jesus is Lord.

And here's the real kicker: when it's all over you are welcomed into another world much better than this one where you get to use your honed skills even more for the glory of God.