The Divine Economy: God's Provision and Humanity's Response

The concept of divine economy, encompassing God's provision for humanity and the appropriate human response, offers a profound lens through which to examine the relationship between the divine and the earthly. This perspective emphasizes that all things, including material possessions, ultimately originate from God, and their use should reflect God's purposes and values.

The Source of All Things

A key element of the divine economy is the recognition that God is the creator and owner of all things. This foundational belief challenges the notion of absolute individual ownership and suggests that humanity's role is that of stewards or managers. Irenaeus alludes to this when discussing the Israelites "spoiling" the Egyptians: it's not that the world isn't God's possession, but that humans receive gifts from others (as the Israelites did from the Egyptians) (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt). This highlights the principle that possessions are received from God, even if indirectly through other people or circumstances.

The Proper Use of Resources

Given that resources are ultimately from God, their proper use becomes a moral imperative. The text underscores this by referencing passages that emphasize sharing with those in need. "He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise" (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt). This principle extends beyond basic necessities to encompass all forms of wealth and possessions. The idea isn't simply about charity, but about recognizing a fundamental interconnectedness and responsibility towards others within God's created order.

Redeeming Unrighteousness

The concept of "redeeming our property from strange hands" offers a nuanced perspective on the use of resources. It suggests that even wealth acquired through unrighteous means, prior to conversion, can be sanctified by applying it to the Lord's advantage after becoming a believer (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt). This doesn't condone past actions but highlights the transformative power of faith and the potential for turning ill-gotten gains into instruments of good.

For whatsoever we acquired from unrighteousness when we were heathen, we are proved righteous, when we have become believers, by applying it to the Lord's advantage. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

This implies a continuous process of aligning one's economic life with their faith, seeking to use resources in ways that honor God and benefit others.

Building God's Tabernacle

The text draws a parallel between the Israelites constructing the tabernacle from the spoils of Egypt and believers using their resources to "erect in ourselves the tabernacle of God" (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt). This metaphorical language suggests that righteous actions and the proper use of resources contribute to creating a dwelling place for God within individuals.

God dwells in those who act uprightly (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt). This underscores the importance of moral integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of life, including economic dealings. It connects the material realm to the spiritual, emphasizing that how we manage our resources directly impacts our relationship with God.

Conclusion

The divine economy, as presented in these texts, provides a framework for understanding the ethical dimensions of wealth and possessions. It challenges believers to recognize God as the ultimate source of all things, to use resources responsibly and generously, and to strive to align their economic lives with their faith. By embracing this perspective, individuals can move beyond a purely materialistic worldview and contribute to building a more just and equitable society, reflecting God's love and provision for all.