Christianity and Industry

Luke 19:15-26; II Thessalonians 3:10-12

GOLDEN TEXT: “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”—Ephesians 4:28

ONLY by a very careless stretch of the imagination could one use Jesus’ parable of the pounds (Luke 19:15-26) to justify, or even to illustrate the organizational arrangements and practices of the giant industrial corporations of our day. The parable does illustrate the principle of properly using one’s resources in God’s service and thereby increasing them, but certainly Jesus never meant that it should justify the development of selfish industrial monopoly over the necessities of life to the point where the masses would be at the mercy of a very small minority who control the national and international cartel systems of our day.

Much misunderstanding of the Bible is due to an attempt to apply its lessons to men and society in general, when as a matter of fact they were given for the guidance of the footstep followers of Jesus only. The parable of the pounds is a good case in point. The parable, of course, is based upon the competitive system of human society, but not intended either to justify or condemn that system. Its object is to show that Christian faithfulness in the use of our privileges and responsibilities will be rewarded.

It would he a gross misapplication of this parable to take it as meaning that if one has a thousand dollars when he becomes a Christian he should strive to have two thousand dollars when he dies. There are many other Scriptures to show that Christian faithfulness works the other way, that we are supposed, not to increase our earthly goods, but to use them in the service of the Lord, the truth and the brethren. Aside from making suitable provision for those properly depending upon us, all that we have and are should be devoted to the Lord, and used to His glory. Only thus may we hope to increase our “pounds” as illustrated in the parable.

The parable of the pounds is a lesson on Christian faithfulness, showing that the Lord expects us to make proper use of that which is entrusted to us as His stewards. We are not to increase our own holdings of earthly goods, but should endeavor to enlarge His interests in our lives, and so far as possible, in the lives of those with whom we come in contact. The “pound” is His, not ours, and if we are truly faithful we will find that it is only as our own fleshly interests diminish that the Lord’s “pound” increases.

When our first parents were driven out of their garden home they were told of the necessity that would thenceforth be theirs of “working for a living.” “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,” was the divine decree. This necessity was placed upon the entire human race, and there has been no way to sidestep it except at the unlawful expense of others. One might steal what he needs to eat, but the Christian is forbidden to do this. One might “sponge” upon his friends and neighbors, but that too would be unchristian.

It is recognized that in this world of selfishness there are many inequalities and unfair practices in connection with labor, wages, working conditions, etc. It was doubtless the same in the apostle’s day. But Christians are not to be overly concerned about these evidences of selfish misrule in the earth. They are to do their share, and even more. Wherever employed, a Christian should do his work well and faithfully, regardless of what his fellow workmen may do, or whether or not his employer properly appreciates his service.

The same principles of integrity and the same willingness to go beyond the demands of exact justice should also govern an employer who is a Christian. A true Christian employer will conduct his business in keeping with the requirements of the Golden Rule. His efforts to do this may frequently be viewed by his employees as an evidence of weakness and they may take advantage of him. If so, he should consider this as a part of his Christian sacrifice, rejoicing in the privilege of suffering for righteousness’ sake.

Whether we, as Christians, are of the employer or employee class, it is well to remember that it is not our business now to reform the world. We can’t expect that our Christian example will lead the world into better ways of carrying on its business. Our aim should be to follow the example of Christ, knowing that, like Him, while we are in the world we are not of the world, for we have been called out of it to be joined with Christ in the establishment of a better world—God’s world to come “wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

God knows all about the injustices of the present, and He knows how to make them work together for our highest eternal welfare. He wants us to learn the lesson of sympathy for the poor groaning creation, and He knows that we can learn this best by coming in contact with the sufferings of the world. So let us be patient, working faithfully wherever the Lord indicates it is His will for us to be, letting our light shine by our example, and telling as many as we can of the better times coming.

In this, the Lord’s way, we can lay down our lives for the betterment of the world, for, by being faithful in doing God’s will now, we are qualifying to live and reign with Christ during the coming age of restitution.

QUESTIONS:

What is the main lesson in the parable of the pounds?

Should Christians seek to live without working?

Is it the Christian’s business to correct the injustices of capital and labor?

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