Gary discusses the economic envy and what is being “promised” by a certain presidential campaign.
God owns everything, yet He is not tempted by evil (James 1:13), for He is righteous. The fact that a rich man forsakes God is not due to his riches “seducing” him, but to his own evil heart. You could as easily say that the poor man’s lack of possessions “seduces” him to steal (Proverbs 30:9b). But sin is in the heart of fallen man. I daresay everyone reading these lines has heard the common misquotation of 1 Timothy 6:10: “Money is the root of all evil.” But Paul says it is the love of money that produces the evil acts. The problem is not with money but with men. Regardless of a wicked man’s financial condition, he will always seek an excuse to sin. If he is poor, he will envy and steal; if he is rich, he will boast and oppress (Proverbs 30:7-9). But the godly man will say,
I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance· and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)
But this the envious man cannot do. He frets and complains over his wants, real or imagined; particularly, he is unwilling to allow others to be content in their state. What is a capitalist? Does he really worship money? Assuredly, many capitalists do worship money—because they are sinners, not because they are capitalists.
Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt Manipulators
Socialism has proven itself to be the sort of ideology that could produce a shortage of salt water in the Pacific. In Productive Christians: A Biblical Response to Socialist Economics, David Chilton tells us why. He not only exposes the follies and fallacies of socialism, but he also systematically outlines the biblical alternative — an alternative that lays the groundwork for real justice, progress, prosperity, and freedom for the rich, the poor, and everyone in between.
Buy NowGary discusses the economic nonsense being discussed and “promised” by a certain presidential campaign. Socialists breed envy and what Herbert Schlossberg called “ressentiment” (see Idols for Destruction pp. 51-54) by encouraging voters to go after the “rich” and big businesses. This tactic ultimately hurts the very people is claims to help by causing both higher taxes and prices.
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