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The Decline's Effects on Economic Scarcity: A Reflection Paper
Summary
The concept of scarcity, first proposed by Thomas Robert Malthus in his 1798 work
An Essay on the Principle of Population as It Affects the Future Improvement of Society, is
essential to contemporary economic theory. Since humans can produce more people than
there is food for farming, Malthus argued that uncontrolled population expansion would lead
to global hunger and conflict (Mackey, 2016). Many call economics "the dismal science"
because of its gloomy outlook on life and the underlying assumption of scarcity. The market
experiences a shortage when there is a high demand for a product but insufficient supply. The
Bible presents this view, offering an alternative history of human evolution from our most
primitive ancestors. Thus, originality implies that affluence is a standard or goal worth
pursuing. The abundance of food God provided to Adam and Eve ensured they would never
go hungry or experience envy on Earth. God said in Genesis 1:29 that all trees and plants
need nourishment. It proves that our planet is rich in natural resources. The unity of their
God-given homes reflected the peace that this abundance brought (Genesis 2:4). Other
writers who have studied the common causes of anxiety and depression have found similar
results.
However, when the crash occurred, many resources became scarce. He punished
Adam with anguish and sorrow in Genesis 3:17–19 because he sought nourishment in a
region of "thorns and thistles." Only by adding "thorns and thistles" to the already difficult
task of obtaining food could one demonstrate economic hardship in that era. When resources
are scarce, competition arises in social situations and other parts of the natural world.
According to Marx and Smith's economic principles, a power struggle sprang out between
Adam and Eve as their once-ideal connection deteriorated, as reported in Genesis 3:16.
Because there were so few supplies available after the collapse, people had to battle for their
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lives. In Matthew 26:11, Jesus taught that there is no need more pressing than any other
regarding poverty. Even if we were all in a financial bind, the prospect of rescue offers us
reason to be optimistic. According to Christians, being happy with one's circumstances and
working together as a community are the two most essential aspects of everlasting life,
unaffected by the fall.
An economic shortage's consequences are analyzed biblically.
Using a realistic interpretation of the fall and redemption account in the Bible, how
can we prevent economic collapse when resources are scarce? Some factors that might
contribute to this change include contentment with one's financial status, faith in God's
providence, generosity, sharing, and ethical business practices. You may also use these
techniques to demonstrate how salvation is based on God's plan, without dealing with the
consequences.
Practice self-care while experiencing joy.
We use the stewardship concept to encourage individuals to faithfully utilize the
blessings God has bestowed upon them. God owns all, and humans are only His slaves; this is
the fundamental tenet of the biblical worldview (Psalm 24:1). Paul opens Philippians 4:11–13
by saying that he has learned to be content no matter what because his confidence is in Christ
and not in worldly wealth. Amidst its call to purity and happiness, 1 Timothy 6 stresses the
need to avoid covetousness and the relentless pursuit of earthly possessions. A stewardship
perspective on scarcity aims to lessen its negative impacts by promoting the most effective
use of existing resources. Learning to be grateful for what we have is one method to combat
materialism, which will always exist and hurt society. Maybe we should take a step back and
consider how a different perspective may lead to less disorder, better use of resources, and
more moral choices on an individual level.
Kindness and exchanging
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Helping others or giving to charity are two ways to transform scarcity into plenty. The
early Christians followed this idea and sold their possessions to save their community from
famine (Acts 2:44–45). An effort to put into practice the high-minded New Testament
commandment to love one's neighbor as one's self is at the heart of this communal lifestyle.
They are incorporating the high-minded New Testament command to love one's neighbor as
one's self, which is the goal of 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. The seventh state stresses giving willingly
rather than in response to pressure, whereas the sixth state focuses on generosity. Raising the
amount of resources available for equitable distribution is one way that being more generous
might aid in reducing economic inequality. It is as essential to encourage giving back while
improving the ways individuals continually feel involved and valued as it is to address
people's evolving needs. To help those in need, churches may arrange and support gifts of
food, clothing, and other essentials in addition to loans.
Have faith in the abundance that God supplies.
Jesus gives his followers reassurance in Matthew 6:25–34. God provides for His
children, so they don't need to be concerned about food today. The singer has never seen
hungry children begging or abandoned people left to their own devices, as stated in Psalm
37:25. Christians might find encouragement in reading writings like these, which remind
them that God will provide for their needs, even in times of scarcity.
Faith in God's provision allows one to shift their attention from worldly pursuits to
God's righteousness and kingdom. When you have faith in something, you can take gifts
without thinking about what you'll get back. This might also suggest that individuals should
turn to God in times of need, which could inspire them to do the same.
Cooperation and unity
According to Galatians 6:2, we should follow Jesus and support one another when
we're down. One way to address the problem of limited resources and the harm they might
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cause is by fostering strong community relationships, characteristic of well-functioning social
networks. Working together reduces the chances of losing money in side hustles like
gardening and babysitting. These programs focus on helping one another and sharing what
we have, reminding us of God's divine plan when he created the world. Collaboration
throughout communities allows them to overcome challenges that are too great for any group
to face alone.
Being truthful while doing business.
Honesty is required in monetary transactions, as Proverbs 11:1 says. Paul urges
Christians to behave as if they were working for the Lord and emphasizes the need for more
refined foundations in all human undertakings in Colossians 3:23–24. There is hope that
business ethics could improve economic relationships due to their emphasis on fair and
equitable methods. Christians in business may be role models for society by putting the needs
of others before their own and being transparent, fair, and economical with company funds.
Some examples include paying workers a living wage, being honest about the quality of their
goods, being environmentally conscious, and supporting local causes. It can help develop
answers to global economic inequality and scarcity if they stand up to the social issues that
make them worse.
Conclusion
Economic scarcity determines all human activity because it transforms an initial state
of abundance into scarcity. This is because scarcity generates employment and competition.
To lessen the impact of these things, the Bible offers sound advice. Good stewardship,
generosity, unity, trust in the provision, and ethical business practices are ways Christians
may show the world Christ's redemptive work in times of adversity. One way to look at these
ideas is as signs of the bountiful life God has planned for his people in the next world and
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References
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Biblica.
Mackey, R. W. II. (2016). After the Fall—Three Effects on Human Enterprise. In A. Chou
(Ed.), What Happened in the Garden: The Reality and Ramifications of the Creation
and Fall of Man (pp. 178-181). Kregel Academic.
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