MEMORY VERSE: “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” – Haggai 2:8
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 13:14-17
INTRODUCTION:
In the previous lesson, we learnt about entities in kingdomnomics which include God, Man (believers) and Resources as well as highlighted some Economic principles in the kingdom. Today, we shall be considering the Biblical position on the basic factors of production, with a view to guiding believers on what their disposition should be towards them.
LESSON OUTLINES
1.LAND AND LABOUR
2. CAPITAL AND ENTREPRENEUR
1.LAND AND LABOUR
In literary sense, land is regarded as soil. However, in economics, land refers to a natural resource that can be utilised to produce income. It is a useful factor of production and it is available in limited quantity. God owns all lands as well as the materials and the forces which nature gives freely for man’s aid, in land, water, air, light and heat (Ps.24:1; Ex.9:29; 1Cor.10:26). God gives land to man to explore and possess (Gen.13:14-17; Ps.115:16). It is important for believers to ask God for the appropriate location to dwell or do business (Gen.2:15; Gen.12:1; Gen.26:2, 12). Believers must put land into profitable use (Prov.12:11) and appreciate God for making the land fruitful (Ps.67:5-6; Lk.12:16-21). No land is barren; every land is created for a purpose (mining, agriculture, tourism, and so on).
However, we only have people who are barren in ideas on how to maximise the use of the land (2 Kgs.2:21).
Labour constitutes one of the important factors of production. This factor involves human services and efforts for the production of goods or services. In economic terms, a work, physical or mental, carried out for monetary purpose is called labour. God wants man to work (Gen.2:15; Eccl.9:10; 1Thess, 4:11). God promises sweet sleep and rest for a labouring believer (Ex.20:9; Eccl.5:12; Matt.11:28). In all labour, there is profit (Prov.13:11; Prov.14:23; Eph 4:28). The labour of the righteous adds value to lives (Prov.10:16). The Bible says that there shall be no labour loss (Isa.62:8). When we plant, we shall eat of the fruit thereof and when we build, we shall inhabit (Ps.128:2; Isa 65:21-23). Believers mustnot rule out God in their endeavours because only God can crown their labour with success (Ps.127:1). Above all, believers should labour to inherit the kingdom of God (jn.6:27).
2. CAPITAL AND ENTREPRENEUR
In this context, capital refers to money used for income creation purposes. God owns the gold, silver and every resource that can be converted to money (Hag.2:8; Ps. 50:10). Obviously, money is good. The Bible says money answers all things defence (Eccl 7:12). However, believers should guide against excessive pursuit of money (Pro.13:11; 22:1; 1 Tim.6:10).
Money should not be spent anyhow. There must be a plan (Luke 14:28-30). In kingdom economics, therefore, believers should put God first (Matt.6:33) in their daily pursuit for money and learn to acquire money legitimately and not at all cost. Remember, you cannot serve God and mammon (Matt.6:24).
An individual who creates an enteprise is called entrepreneur. A child of God is expected to be a creator/innovator of good things which include viable business endeavour (Eph.2:10; 2Tim. 1:7). He/she should equally be able to maximise the use of all other factors of production. A believer is expected to pay his workers as at when due (Deut. 24:14-15; 1 Tim.5:18; Lk.10:7). Believers should not be dubious in their dealings (Prov.11:1,3; Prov.28:8; James 5:4), for it is the blessing of God that enriches (Prov.10:22). The success or failure of an enterprise depends on the efficiency of the entrepreneur (Prov.22:29; Prov.27:23). An entrepreneur needs to be focused on adapting himself/herself according to the changes taking place in the national economy, industries and markets (Acts 16:14a).
CONCLUSION: God owns all factors of production (Ps.24:1). Put Him first in all your endeavours (Matt. 6:33). You will be profitable here on earth and also lay up treasures in Heaven.