Christian Economics

 

As often happen in business, every so often, perhaps once a year, employees start feeling that they are not paid enough. They work hard and yet they find that with inflation, and the cost of living going up, what they are earning is not enough. They would like more. And they want to enjoy the good things in life, like holidays, bigger cars, houses and so on. 

They become unhappy with their salaries. They ask their employer for a rise. If they are in a Union their Union negotiates on their behalf. Perhaps threatens strikes. Eventually an agreement is reached and a rise in salary is agreed.

Now the employees are no longer unhappy. Not necessarily happy, but no longer unhappy. Until, with the passage of time, they become unhappy again and the whole song and dance starts all over again.

Do you remember when you were unhappy? And you asked God for a favour? You may have tried to bargain with Him even. And you prayed and prayed and eventually God answered your prayers. Not exactly what you wanted; but He answered in sorts.

Then you asked again; perhaps it was on behalf of someone who was ill. And you asked again; about a job perhaps, or a promotion, or something else. And again ... and again.

Is that how our relationship with God has become? A continuous negotiation with us wanting more in order to stop being unhappy?

Years ago I worked for a large multi-national as a senior manager. It was hard work, with a lot of responsibility and travelling. I hated travelling.

I talked to a priest about it. He said, "You don't really work for this Organisation. You work for God. They may pay your salary, but everything you do it is for God. Your work should be an example to others on where your focus really is. If you're late for work, or take long lunch hours, or do a half-well job; you are in effect stealing from God. Jesus was a carpenter. I doubt He made wobbly tables. So why should you?"

In a way, that's a good attitude to life. Whether we're a manager, lawyer, doctor or whatever; we are in effect working for God. Even if we're not employed but raising a family, or retired; whatever we do we do for God. Our life is an example that others can emulate.

Even if at times we are unhappy with our lot, and we go to God in prayer; one thing is for sure. He does listen. He does reply. In His time and in His way.