The rich and poor have this in common: The LORD made them both (Proverbs 22:7 NLT).
First used by Louis Blanc in 1851, the slogan De chacun selon ses moyens, à chacun selon ses besoins (“From each according to his ability, to each according to his need”) was later popularized by Karl Marx—the father of Communism.
Communism maintained socialism’s full development would result in an abundance of goods and services that everyone would enjoy uniformly. Although the philosophy sounded good, it didn’t materialize. Not everyone works equally hard nor can humans perfectly run the structure that disseminates the goods and services.
Differences abound within humanity…not only in race and language, but also in economic standing. Why didn’t God give everyone the same amount of money, possessions, job opportunities, children, pets, etc.?
Free will often explains the differences. God created everyone with this wonderful feature. Normally, he doesn’t interfere with the outcomes of my decisions unless he’s using disciplinary tactics to confront my negative choices. At least, within a democratic society, God allows me the choice to reside where I choose—a country where the average annual income is $75,000 or $500.
Other inequalities appear because of government style. Some are born in countries with totalitarian governments and have no means of escape. Their opportunities are limited. Governments are ruled by errant people, and, therefore, differences abound.
Circumstances—whether a particular government style or other aspects, also explain inequalities. Generally speaking, I am who I am and where I am because of genealogical heritage…not necessarily personal choices. There have been occasions when I was able to change my circumstances, but others when I couldn’t…because of circumstances.
Among the inequalities, however, there are commonalities. God has created everyone, loves everyone, and sent his Son to die for everyone. While the color of our skin, the income we earn, and the possessions we own may differ now, there will come a day when we’ll equally enjoy what God has made for us in heaven and on the new earth.
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