Many Christians dont realize that the story of economics begins with the creation of the earth. God created an earth that was abundant and overflowing, filled with everything that mankind needed to adequately care for the earth and make it multiply and be fruitful. That was Gods intended desire, for the earth to be fruitful and abundant and for mankind to enjoy a life of flourishing.
But the tragic story is that sin separated man from God and caused serious damage to the created order. No longer would abundance be the default, but mankind would need to toil and work hard, and the ground would fight back and produce thorns and weeds (Gen. 3:17-19). In other words, sin brought about scarcity.
The seeds of wealth (abundance) and poverty (scarcity) are found in the creation story.
Focus Question:
How does this idea that economics is found at the beginning of the biblical story strike you? What kind of insight does it give you about wealth and poverty?
