The Wisdom of Joe
16 comments | PermalinkConsider this thought experiment:Situation A: To stimulate the economy, the U.S Government asks everyone to take $1,200 out of their pocket and spend it on consumer goods.On Situation A it would be clear that we had no moral imperative to spend our money on big-screen television just to jump start the economy. As Christians we'd recognize that our primary obligation was to be stewards of our money in a way that is honoring to God. (Of course, we might believe that using the money the way the government wanted was God's purpose for those funds. But I don't think it would be clear that everyone would feel the same.)
Situation B: To stimulate the economy, the U.S Government takes $1,200 out of everyone's pockets, gives it back to them, and then asks them to spend it on consumer goods.So the question is what moral requirement is changed by Situation B? Just because the government took the money out of your pocket for you does not change our stewardship obligations. We are also not obligated to follow the government's suggestions about how we spend our own money. Also, the legislation makes no suggestions for how the money should be spent. (And if it were intended only to purchase consumer goods then the IRS should have sent us vouchers rather than cash.)
If out of sense of obligation to the government and/or economy a Christian buys a Wii, an iPhone, and a dozen Crossway books from the DesiringGod.org store, then they should feel free to do so. But if they believe that the money would be best used on foreign missions they should do that too.
And if they are conflicted then they can fulfill both obligations by using the money to buy material good (e.g., clothes, food) for those in need. That way they can be Christ-exalting and government-pleasing at the same time.
posted by JT at Monday, April 28, 2008
16 Comments:
That last paragraph is great. Amen!
Or, if anyone already does all the things of which Joe has written, what would be wrong with putting the funds into savings or investment?
I think I'll buy Wii because of my sense of obligation to having fun. Seriously, some good thoughts - I think the bottom line is that this money shouldn't be treated any differently than the rest of our money. Thanks for sharing.
Since our U$ givermint is on deficit spending, "B" is actually taking money out of our grandchildren's pockets.
Ah, the arrogance of central planning! See The Fatal Conceit.
Short-term "solutions" such as the one being foisted off on us are designed to show that the incumbent politicians have done something. I'm tired of being bribed using my own money!
Great post.
I'll spend my money paying down the Visa bills from a family wedding I partially foot the bill for.
I wonder if the government would approve?
JK
whether or not giving the money from the economic stimulus violates the spirit of the exchange
How about giving it to somebody in need (one of the many unemployed?) and letting THEM spend it?
I don't think the federal government is deluded into thinking that everyone is going to use the money in a directly consumeristic manner. Some people will put the funds in savings, or retirement accounts. Still others, such as myself, will use the money for upcoming bills and necessary expenses.
So it doesn't strike me that there's much of a question regarding whether it would be legitimate to use this money for charitable giving. Once the money becomes our own, a transition of ownership has taken place.
Certainly the government recognizes that some taxpayers will be unable, due to financial constraints, to use the money as intended. Perhaps even in these cases, there will be some indirect benefit to the economy (although I have my doubts).
And I happen to agree with Piper that how those funds are used could serve as a powerful testimony to others regarding the ultimate treasure of one's heart. I truly wish my family was in a position to take the kind of approach that he is endorsing; perhaps we will set aside a small portion for something like that.
Remember, it is not the government's money. It is not even your money. It is God's money. Use it as God would desire you to use it. The government has attached no strings, so your conscience should only bother you about wasting the money.
The idea that spending the money on unnecessary consumer goods stimulates the economy is patently false. The money will help the economy most if you spend it wisely instead of wastefully. This may mean not 'spending' it at all, but using it to pay debts or saving it.
The banks and lenders are broke too, so if you save or pay down debts your helping the economy as well.
A - thanks for the reminder. Even money that is in the wasteful hands of the government is still God's money. Just being stewarded poorly. When those funds pass into our hands as part of a "stimulus" package, it's up to us to exercise Biblical stewardship with it. Regardless of the intent of the government in handing it over. We are to glorify God with whatever He gives us stewardship of.
What is sad, is that I had forgotten about this payment. Also, I'm a single and probably only receiving 300 in this payment. However, I have rejoiced in the thought that I may have the opportunity to glorify Christ in some way by helping someone else in more need than I.
Wow, does this discussion give me a headache. I'm going to spend the stimulus money on Advil and Tylenol.
i was looking in scripture this morning and found the perfect verse to use as our guidance in this situation:
from matthew 11:
(29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
(30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
please stop making everything we face yet another opportunity to put us under more guilt and doctrinal legalism; thank you.
me? i'm hoping mine gets direct-deposited before CIGNA hits my checking account on thursday to auto-deduct its $1,000 for my family's health insurance.
and, of course, that's the real problem those useless criminals in washington should be working on, instead of printing money that will ultimately wind up in their own pockets. or jp morgan's. maybe haliburton's.
certainly not u.s. taxpayer's.
still waiting for a candidate to step up and run for president that deserves our vote, won't give us more of the same ol' same ol', and doesn't have questionable figures within arm's reach.
otherwise, i just might have to do it myself...
mike rucker
fairburn, georgia, usa
mikerucker.wordpress.com
Technically it isn't your money that the government is giving back to you because they already spent it and this is China's money you are now getting back
Mike Rucker said...
"please stop making everything we face yet another opportunity to put us under more guilt and doctrinal legalism; thank you."
I certainly don't think anyone's being legalistic, we're just trying to wrestle with how to be good stewards of what God gives. That's going to be different for different people. Don't believe anyone here has said that you're not a Christian if you buy a TV with your big snazzy check.
I am concerned, however, with taking Matthew 11:29-30 as a call to "eat, drink, and be merry," which is kind of how it comes off in your post.
Haven't decided how to spend my check yet, but I've enjoyed hearing the wisdom of everyone here.
"Situation B: To stimulate the economy, the U.S Government takes $1,200 out of everyone's pockets, gives it back to them, and then asks them to spend it on consumer goods."
Unforunately, our "giverment" took these dollars out of our pockets and gave them + more back.(gave money to many who hadn't paid in the amount they were given "back"??)
Hmmm, could this be for another purpose??? Will more people file income tax returns just to receive this money??? Will these tax returns broaden the government's data base of information on citizens???
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