332
From Eternity Past
God’s Plan Would Solve Socio-economic Problems Today
Many urge with great enthusiasm that all men should have an
equal share in temporal blessings. But this was not the purpose of
the Creator. A diversity of condition is one of the means by which
God designs to develop character. He intends that those who have
worldly possessions shall regard themselves as stewards of His goods,
[385]
entrusted to be employed for the benefit of the needy.
Christ has said that we shall have the poor always with us. The
heart of our Redeemer sympathizes with the lowliest of His earthly
children. He tells us that they are His representatives on earth, placed
among us to awaken in our hearts the love He feels toward the suffering
and oppressed. An act of cruelty or neglect toward them is regarded as
done to Him.
If the law given by God for the benefit of the poor had continued
to be carried out, how different would be the present condition of
the world, morally, spiritually, and temporally! Such widespread
destitution as is now seen in many lands would not exist.
The principles which God has enjoined would prevent the terrible
evils that result from the oppression of the rich toward the poor and
the suspicion and hatred of the poor toward the rich. While they might
hinder the amassing of great wealth, they would prevent the ignorance
and degradation of tens of thousands whose ill-paid servitude is re-
quired to build up these colossal fortunes. They would bring a peaceful
solution of problems that now threaten the world with anarchy and
bloodshed.
[386]