Commerce
Implied in the great Dominion Mandate is the necessity of distribution. Science is charged with the responsibility of researching the forces and processes of the earth to determine how things function. Technology is delegated the task of developing useful tools and techniques for the application of the information gained in research. Commerce (business) is the complementary discipline necessary to distribute the “useful things” to everyone.
In essence, commerce is complying with the “fill the earth” portion of the mandate.
Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden and told to “dress and keep” it. They were not told how to do so, only that it was their responsibility before the Creator to maintain and develop what had been provided for them. As the population of earth grew, it would be necessary to develop skills to make their tools and talents available to others. That procedure in modern terms is “commerce.”
There are a number of commerce-related instructions throughout the Scriptures. We are told not to be “slothful in business” but “fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). Someone who is “diligent in his business” will “stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Proverbs 22:29). In one sense, business (commerce) is the familial responsibility of every person, and we are told to “study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
Given the somewhat sordid reputation of business in general, it would be well if all commerce would heed the Golden Rule: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise (Luke 6:31). There is no doubt that those words were intended to be implemented by humanity when the mandate to “fill the earth” was first given.
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Since God is our "Father," and we are His "servants," it is hardly a stretch to understand that our "stewardship" responsibilities are to be conducted with the same dedication exemplified by the young Jesus. The New Covenant era continues the tributary and offering practice begun long before Moses—still focused on the eternal values of the souls of men and the word of God. The temporal property and wealth (tithes and offerings) are "rendered" to God, who through His churches and agencies, produces eternal wealth by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Classic Biblical Examples of Stewardship
Exodus 35—the Tabernacle building project
They were recently freed slaves under many generations of poverty and want.
They had been enriched by their slave owners with gold and property.
They all gave willingly, freely, until there was more than enough.
I Chronicles 28 and 29—the Temple fundraising project under
King DavidThey gave vast amounts of wealth and building materials.
The leaders and rulers gave huge riches.
The rest gave as they were able.
They did not build—their children did—they gave to the vision.
Consider these questions.
How am I doing managing my "Father's business"?
How well have I related to God in terms of manager and owner?
Do I have possessions that I try to exclude from God's ownership?
Do I feel freedom in my role as God's steward?
Have I abused the financial freedom that God has given me?
Do I sense the urgency of "my Father's business" as young Jesus did?
How is my "eternal bank account" doing?
What is my "risk tolerance" for eternal investments?
Could I "retire" on what I have given to the Lord's work?
[body_edit] =>Since God is our "Father," and we are His "servants," it is hardly a stretch to understand that our "stewardship" responsibilities are to be conducted with the same dedication exemplified by the young Jesus. The New Covenant era continues the tributary and offering practice begun long before Moses—still focused on the eternal values of the souls of men and the word of God. The temporal property and wealth (tithes and offerings) are "rendered" to God, who through His churches and agencies, produces eternal wealth by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Classic Biblical Examples of Stewardship
Exodus 35—the Tabernacle building project
They were recently freed slaves under many generations of poverty and want.
They had been enriched by their slave owners with gold and property.
They all gave willingly, freely, until there was more than enough.
I Chronicles 28 and 29—the Temple fundraising project under
King DavidThey gave vast amounts of wealth and building materials.
The leaders and rulers gave huge riches.
The rest gave as they were able.
They did not build—their children did—they gave to the vision.
Consider these questions.
How am I doing managing my "Father's business"?
How well have I related to God in terms of manager and owner?
Do I have possessions that I try to exclude from God's ownership?
Do I feel freedom in my role as God's steward?
Have I abused the financial freedom that God has given me?
Do I sense the urgency of "my Father's business" as young Jesus did?
How is my "eternal bank account" doing?
What is my "risk tolerance" for eternal investments?
Could I "retire" on what I have given to the Lord's work?
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