Would Jesus be a Capitalist? Part 1

Here is an interesting question ... Jesus was a CEO 2000 years ago. If he were a CEO today, would He be a capitalist? This problem with this question is that it looks at things from the wrong direction. Let's try to rephrase the question as this ... Is capitalism an appropriate philosophy for running a business which seeks to minister to others?

Think for a moment about what the question asks. We have said that as Christians and business owners, God has provided to us resources and influence for the purpose of performing ministry. Does capitalism support or limit our abilities to accomplish God's mission? Is capitalism the best economic system to permit us to perform ministry?


As we launch into this investigation it is important that we define our terms. Capitalism is an economic system in which wealth, and the means of producing wealth, are privately owned.... A distinguishing feature of capitalism is that each person owns his or her own labor and therefore is allowed to sell the use of it to employers. [Wikipedia - Capitalism]


When our Founding Fathers were developing the documents upon which the government of our Republic are based, they were very much conscious of the passage from I Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.


From this passage, they brought an understanding that an individual needed to control his or her own labor. From the sale of that labor, one needed to be able to purchase and then own property. Without property rights, one could not provide for the family's needs. A message that was clearly communicated from the economic systems of western Europe.


When one owns and controls his or her labor, they have access to their greatest wealth producing tool. From control of this resource, the individual can build careers and businesses. Under capitalism, it is this opportunity to develop a return for the investment of time and resources that creates wealth. From the accumulation of wealth, a person with a Judeo-Christian world view will find him or herself able to minister to those in need out of their prosperity. Capitalism has been the engine which has raised the wealth of the world. It is the system that demonstrates that economic success is not a net-sum game, a game where one person's success comes from another person's loss of economic resources. Our country has achieved an economic standard of living that is the envy of the world. Our nation has also shown itself to be the most generous in all the world, even providing economic support to our very enemies.


Capitalism rewards effort and promotes hard work, both are sound Biblical values. Capitalism provides the means for individuals to assist those who are less fortunate. Realizing that all the world bears the effects of man's fall, even capitalism can be corrupted and abused. But, when practiced by regenerate men and women, capitalism blesses them with the ability and resources to minister to others.

Jesus was a CEO

For most people in our society, whether they hold to the view of Jesus as the Son of God (and for some, their personal Savior) or not - they tend to view Jesus as a religious leader. Have you ever considered that Jesus was a successful CEO (Chief Executive Officer)? We know from the scriptures that He was known within the region as a carpenter. In Mark 6:3 in identifying Jesus, they asked "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?"(MKJV).



To be so known, he must have had a fairly significant business. In the absence of Joseph, Jesus apparently provided for His mother, brothers and sisters through His carpentry work. Think about this for a moment. Jesus ran a successful business. He purchased materials, he carried inventory, he paid salaries, coordinated shipping and deliveries - I imagine He even had to do some marketing - although I bet the word of mouth traffic was great! Come to think of it, even though His work was perfect, I bet some of his customers still complained ... so I imagine He even handles customer complaints.



Imagine, the Son of God, the Creative force of the universe, performed the exact same tasks you deal with on a daily basis. He understands, in the most intimate way, the feelings of obligation and responsibility that you carry when others are depending on you for their livelihood, or the products to sustain their businesses, or for you to pay for the materials or services they supplied to you. He not only knows... He understands ... He did it too, probably for fifteen years!



Now, if Jesus was so good at running His business, how much do you think He can help you be successful at yours?