The focus of the review will on productivity found in chapter 2. The chapter begins by asserting that producing goods and services provides many opportunities to glorify God. However, in equal measures, it also gives individuals an opportunity to sin. The author notes that production is one of the significant factors for which God put human beings on earth. It draws from the Biblical story of Adam where God instructed him "to work it and keep it" in reference to the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). From the story of Adam and Eve, critical to appreciate is the fact that both of them were given the mantle to use the earth's resources to their own benefit. The chapter, therefore, appreciates the fact that God's intention to humanity was always production from the very first (Grudem, 2003). Some of the works of production the author suggests God mandated the first human beings include agricultural production, animal keeping, craftsmanship, and beauty.
The author further discusses the contemporary works of production that human beings perform. He notes that manufactured products give human beings an opportunity to praise God for the wealth of goods that comes as a result of this work. Through an analogy of Adam and Eve in the twenty-first century and how they would be bewildered by the developed piped water system, the author appreciates the importance of productivity in the world today. The author continues by noting that however, God did not have to create human beings with the power of production. He must have done so because he knew that this would provide them with an opportunity for glorifying him better. It is in this regard that the book of Isaiah 6:3 states that "the whole earth is full of his glory." More fundamentally, productivity ensures that human beings produce things that could be given to others as an extension of generosity (Grudem, 2003).
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Therefore, part of the reason why God wants us to be productive is to help other people. As such, production should not be a recipe to gain wealth, become greedy, and act in an evil manner. It should instead provide an opportunity to accomplish things and to solve the myriad of problems facing humanity. The author continues to discuss that productive work is something that God values. Although the book of Genesis 3:17-19 states that work would come with pain and futility as provided in God's punishment, the author contends that work continues to be an aspect that pleases God. Hindering productivity can occur in several ways such as through wars and government action. However, this only allows the curse imposed by God in Genesis 3 to take more effect in the world. However, the author notes that productivity also comes with challenges that might cause humanity to sin.
People are increasingly exposed to the need for focusing immensely on the production of material goods while slowly turning away from God. People can also turn out to be greedy, self-centered, and selfish. Others will disregard their neighbors as a result of the hard-heartedness that comes as a result of focusing excessively on the material aspects. The author further notes that the money acquired from production can be used in further destroying the morals of the society through promoting addiction and pornography amongst others. In the wake of all these negativity, the author concludes that production should not be regarded as a neutral thing. It is fundamentally a good thing that acts in accordance with the will of God. Human beings, therefore, have a responsibility of engaging in production to fulfill their duties as children of God.
Most fundamentally, the Bible is vocal in warning individuals on the means of production. God's intention was to ensure that human beings produced materials in ways that inspire integrity, hard work, and determination. In Proverbs 13:11, the Bible says: "Wealth won in haste or unjustly or from the production of things for vain or detrimental use will dwindle away, but he who gathers little by little will increase his riches." God, therefore, warns human beings that although production is a commandment, it should not be done through unjust means such as corruption, segregation, or discrimination amongst other social evils (Coomber, 2016). Therefore, human beings must remain cautious when dealing with production. People live in a culture today that glorifies self-fulfillment. Nearly every person wants to experience satisfaction, and this comes as a result of the abundant output in all the economic activities human beings participate. However, the Bible cautions in the book of Colossians 3:17-23 that work is about glorifying God.
One of the aspects that I agree with from the discussion fronted by the author is that production should center on fulfilling the plan that God has for human beings on earth. All efforts in production must, therefore, focus on satisfying the will of God as illustrated by the author in the book. People live in a world where the rich are a few while the majority works for the rich people. Satisfying the will of God would, therefore, mean that the rich use the wealth from production to serve the poor. Barrera (2013) noted that the culture had shaped people to believe that it is only essential to store up as much as wealth as they possibly can. The Bible, however, debunks such assertions in the book of Mathew 6: 19-21 when it says that human beings should pursue eternal treasures more than the earthly ones. Therefore, although production is a positive aspect in satisfying the earthly needs of human beings, people must remain alive to the fact that winning God's favor would require people to serve the needy, produce using just means, and further ensure that workers do not face any form of exploitation.
Secondly, I agree that production can be a significant cause of rebellion against God and his teachings. However, this is not to say that production is a bad thing because God never intended for people to suffer from poverty. In the book of Deuteronomy 15:4-6, the Bible says “however, there need be no poor people among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you.” As people shift their attention from God to the earthly desires, people are prone to develop greed, self-centeredness, and corruption amongst others. Beed and Beed (2013) asserted that the Bible further teaches how it is difficult for a rich man to inherit the kingdom of God. Therefore, such Biblical teachings should provide individuals with the necessary incentive to work not only for their own benefits but also for the betterment of others.
One objectionable thing that I, however, find in the reading is when the author disregards the pain and futility that comes with the work of production. As part of the punishment given to Adam, God stated that men would have to sweat to succeed in their means of production. Although the author appreciates the punitive action taken by God, he fails to assess how it could implicate on the work of production. Not everyone will find it comfortable to endure the suffering that comes with production.
References
Barrera, A. (2013). Biblical Economic Ethics: Sacred Scripture's Teachings on Economic Life . Lexington Books.
Beed, C., & Beed, C. (2013). Biblical Warnings to ‘the Rich and the Challenge of Contemporary Affluence. Journal of Markets & Morality , 15 (2).
Coomber, M. J. (2016). Bible and justice: ancient texts, modern challenges . Routledge.
Grudem, W. (2003). Business for the glory of God: The Bible's teaching on the moral goodness of business . Crossway.
