Kingdom economics: Work and trade as gift-giving

The reading for this week, "Kingdom Economics: Work and Trade as Gift-Giving," by Joseph Sunde attempted to solve the problem of viewing work and trade as giving. He argued that although consumer-oriented culture makes human beings perceive economic activity from a viewpoint of profit making and self-benefit, there is an alternative view that we tend to forget; however, it is one that characterizes our economic interactions in society. Sunde maintains that in our economic behaviour we are not only receiving but also giving: we are creators, producers, contributors, and also givers. While, as in the Western concept of 'pure gift', this act does not expect reciprocity, Sunde regards Christianity as seeing "gift" as a mutual action having "strings attached," but not necessarily proportionate. For example, God gives us gifts not to keep to ourselves but to instead serve His purpose. Global Trade Transformed by Kingdom Economics

The "Parable of the Talents" in Luke 19:11-27 and in Matthew 25:14-3   reiterates the reciprocal nature of a gift.

In the parable, the master was disappointed with the servants who had not made use of the talents they had.     The latter is parallel to people who fail to use their God-given gifts to add value to the society or their life. This week's reading has taught us that trade/ work is not meant to simply be a business which aims at maximizing its profit, but it should also be used to enhance the general prosperity of a person's environment and local community. The reading has motivated me to reflect on my past vocational life, my future vocational plans, and to think of how I can structure my future career to better serve the society. From what I have learned, the purpose of working is not solely to make money.

One also needs to ensure that they contribute to the advancing and development of their community through a career or talent.     For example, though law enforcers are paid for their services, they are also supposed to ensure that they enhance the community by eradicating crime and making the offenders become righteous. Enhancing Community through Kingdom Economics Practices I, hereby, want to view my career or job as a blessing from God. And, unlike the servant in the "Parable of the Talents," I will not use my God-given gifts to benefit only myself or continue in fear of shining in this world.

I will maximize my gift's full potential to benefit the world around.

Sometimes I may have to forgo the immediate financial gains that I can receive from my career.     As Sunde very correctly puts it, what really matters in the Kingdom economics is grace and love. It, therefore, becomes important to find how to demonstrate grace and love through our works and trade as Christians. Bibliography Sunde, Joseph. Kingdom Economics: Work and Trade as Gift-Giving. Acton Institute, April 22, 2021.