MONEY, SEX AND POWER

Money, sex and power are often viewed as purely individual and personal matters, particularly by those who reject moral absolutes and assume that right and wrong are a matter of personal preference, not a standard imposed by an external authority. Yet the decisions we make in regard to money, sex and power involve moral choices that have profound social implications. That is why these are by far the most widely explored ethical themes in the Bible. Our attitude and approach to these issues will largely determine the depth of our morality.

The history of Christianity indicates that the church in every age has had to grapple with the challenges these issues pose. So must the church in South Asia as it experiences unprecedented growth. The failure of Christians to submit their attitude towards money, sex and power to the standards of the gospel threatens to undermine the church’s message and rob it of its credibility. We need to live out what we believe in our business life, in our marriages, and in any situation where we are responsible for administration or government (including in the church).

Christians are called to view money, sex and power as gifts to humanity. Genesis 2:4-25 shows how the loving Creator designed a world where humanity was enriched by earth’s abundant resources, empowered to exercise authority over other creatures, and enjoyed the sensual pleasures of food, beauty and sex. This positive attitude towards wealth, power and sensuality is maintained throughout the Bible, in spite of these things later becoming associated with sin.

God’s gift carried with it the concept of stewardship. We are to care for what he has given us in ways that are in keeping with his intentions. Money, sex and power are to be used for the good of humanity and to bear witness to the nature of God. They are not to be used selfishly, but instead should benefit both individuals and the society of which they are part. Used well, each of them holds potential for human liberation and joy; used wrongly, they produce oppression and the deepest grief.

When money, sex and power are pursued as ends in themselves, they turn out to be vain and destructive idols. Money becomes the object and most tangible expression of our greed, sex of our lust, and power of human pride. Such values have so permeated society in every age that money, sex and power have often become synonymous with greed, lust and pride.

When money, sex and power are used to serve the best interests of personal and social relationships, they achieve their fullest potential and result in the greatest mutual benefits. This is why the Bible, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, calls the Christian to simplicity and generosity with regard to money (Matt 6:19-21; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6-7), to self-control and marital faithfulness with regard to sex (Matt 19:4-6; Eph 5:3-5), and to humility and servanthood with regard to power (Luke 22:24-27; John 13:1-17; Phil 2:3-11).

How Christians handle the issues of money, sex and power will determine the quality and depth of the church’s morality. While antagonism and hostility from outside can only threaten to diffuse the joy of a growing church, ethical and moral failure within the church will tear at the very root of renewal and revival.

Ivor Poobalan