Freakonomics

 Economics:  The science that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, or the material welfare of humankind.

When I was in college I took Econ 101.  On the midterm, which consisted of 2 questions, I answered one of them exactly backwards.  It had something to do with a curve and I plotted it down instead of up or vice versa.  I did, however, write an eloquent analysis of the wrong answer.  The professor was merciful and gave me partial credit so I managed to pass the class.  I tell you this to establish my lack of credentials where economics are concerned.

That said, I have lived long enough as an adult to know the characteristics of a "healthy economy" both on the national, corporate and personal levels:

• Investments are made in expectation of a greater return (ROI)
• There is no such thing as a free lunch. You get what you pay for.  Work hard and you will rise to the top.
• We put our trust in the experts, the winners, the upwardly mobile follow the most successful

The ultimate measures of success in this economy:

• He who dies with the most stuff wins.
• You get what you deserve.

So what's the deal with God's freaky economy?  His economy is exactly backwards. 

• God does not get ROI.  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16   Mother Teresa said Jesus died for us all but would have died just for one.  How could that be an adequate return on such an investment?  It just is... Freaky.
• A free lunch?  Instead, how about free eternal life?  Hard work?  Nice but not necessary.  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9  Free, not for sale, can't be earned.  Freaky.
• Experts, Winners, Leaders --  Get over yourselves... "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Matthew 23:12  What do you expect when the Creator of the Universe comes to us as a poverty stricken baby?  Freaky

The measures for God's economy?  Again, exactly backwards...

• He who dies with the most stuff...dies.  “God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.” Luke 1:53 
• You get what you deserve?  You don't.  Thanks be to God.

So, let go of the prudent economy of our time and embrace God's freaky economy--"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Don't be afraid because..."surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20