This afternoon, I was out driving around with two of my kids looking for “Help Wanted” signs so one of my daughters could apply for a job. My daughter mentioned that she didn’t really understand the economy. Well, who does? I did give it a shot though.

My very simple explanation (I’ll omit any political comments) went like this: our (American) economy is based on spending. When people spend, products must be manufactured, delivered and sold. That creates jobs, which creates more spending, more production, more jobs, etc.

That’s an elementary explanation of our economy in America. It’s not how God’s economy works though.

I went on to explain to my captive audience (two of my children riding in the car with me) that God’s economy is different. God’s economy is based on giving.

We give. God gives to us. We give. God gives to us.

I’m not talking about trying to manipulate God into giving us a new house and a Rolls Royce. That kind of thinking disgusts me.

But here’s an example of how I think it can work though:

Today, I got a call from the garage where I’d had my car towed. Blown head gasket. That’s bad. I can’t complain though. My sister gave the car to one of my daughters several years ago when it had about 180,000 miles on it. It died just shy of 225,000 miles.

The cost to fix it was way more than the car was worth or I could afford, but a mechanic at the garage offered to buy it. Without having to pay the labor charge, he could buy a new motor and replace the blown one and have a decent car.

We talked for a few minutes and he offered me $200 for the car. I told him I’d take $150 for it. I’m a very shrewd negotiator. Before we hung up, I’d lowered my price to $100. When I delivered the title about an hour later, I’d already decided to just give the car to him. Of course he was very grateful.

That still meant we were down one car and would be very inconvenienced without a replacement. Having just bought a car several weeks ago, I’m not in a position to finance another one.

God was already at work.

About two hours ago, I bought a ’95 Ford Explorer for $450 from a friend. She’d recently been given a newer car and gave us a good deal on a vehicle she no longer needed.

Rolls Royce? Nope. Did God give back to us? Absolutely.

As an American or a capitalist–go make a purchase.

As a believer in Jesus–go give generously.