This week on the Forerunners of The Age to Come Blog
Capitalism Versus Cooperatives – It’s our choice
The Refuge – People Get Ready
Winston Churchill is purported to have said: “Capitalism is not the best system, but it is the best so far.” The quote seemed out of character for someone who was openly critical of a system so given to greed and corruption. The fact is that he actually said this about democracy, not capitalism. The capitalist crowd just “borrowed” Churchill’s notoriety to cover up the failings of capitalism and support their cause. The quote should have been:
“Democracy is not the best system, but it is the best so far.” Winston Churchill
As I dug deep into the back story of capitalism, I soon realized that there was significantly more criticism of capitalism than support for it. The support came from renowned politicians, including Churchill, economists, business leaders, gangster Al Capone and even US founding father Thomas Jefferson. Yet, we are told all the time by the media that there is no better system than capitalism in spite of the frequent crashes and instability. In fact, you may be branded a communist and or even a threat to a successful, progressive society simply by questioning the fairness and weaknesses of capitalism. In light of the most recent corruption-inspired meltdown of capitalism in 2008 and the worldwide repercussions that are still very evident today, it is appropriate, maybe even prophetic, to forward-thinking pundits that cooperatives are among the most stable and successful entities in Western democracies. Their weakness is that they operate within a financial system that has been corrupted to the very core. Their importance and their strength are, therefore, in their potential as a refuge for you and me in the next economic “crisis”.
The price of fuel and food has gone up almost 30% in the last 6 months. Or maybe it would be better to say that money has been devalued by 30%! The devaluation is not likely to stop soon, considering the policies of the Western democracies and the Federal Reserve. For many people, this devaluation will severely affect their financial viability and lifestyle. The most affected are those on fixed incomes, such as seniors. One of the most effective ways to combat the shrinking value of people’s incomes is to collaborate with others to reduce costs. The powerful benefits of working together are achieved in Christian Community.
Saying that you can’t afford groceries is NOT misinformation.
Money and the Power of Corporations
In most corporations, money determines who is in control and who makes decisions. Money is also the deciding factor in for-profit companies because profits are their only objective. In capitalism, money is by far the most valued input. Venture capitalists ‘capitalize’ on this distortion by declaring that their money deserves to be recognized as pretty much the only thing that matters. Therefore, money should get the most ownership and potential return for their contribution. The technology revolution has proven that concept to be a self-indulgent lie. Innovative ideas, unrelenting commitment and intense motivation are far rarer than money! Possibly, this is the reason that so many tech companies were built by charismatic leaders who spread their vision and focused intentions. Even they understood that praying to your wallet, that is, putting money as the highest value, will not lead to greater profits.
How Can a Cooperative Help Us?
Cooperatives are founded on the premise of people working together and using their talents and abilities, which are given and received by grace, for their mutual benefit – hence, the name “cooperative”. This structure and value system are most like the Kingdom of God. Forerunners are called to make tangible examples of the Kingdom of God as a prophetic precursor of the coming rulership of Christ and His Kingdom. Profits are necessary, but the role of people and their abilities is also important. The purpose of most cooperatives is to serve. They serve the public and the members of the cooperative and are governed pluralistically by its members. This is not a new concept; cooperatives first appeared in the UK in the mid-1800s. That is about the same time ‘for (only) profit corporations’ were created. God always provides an alternative for us so that we have a choice.
A cooperative is a community which collectively works together to gain efficiencies, provides for their families, and accomplishes certain pre-determined objectives that serve the needs of the community. Cooperatives differ from other organizations in that they benefit the members based on the amount they contribute to the objectives of the organization rather than solely on the basis of their capital input. The added benefits of friendship and security within the community make these cooperatives attractive to people of all ages. They are so efficient even young people are able to retire early. The efficiency of cooperatives is demonstrated by the building of most of the universities and hospitals in North America by the monasteries. Christ said, "Do not build your house on sand". He was talking about working for money since its value changes like the weather. Prices go up without warning, or taxes increase, stealing from you your time and your life. Who do we serve when we work for money? Work to serve. “We Are One”. Living and working together are the DNA of the Kingdom of God. Our objective is Christ’s objective, and that is to be the servant of all.
The early church met together daily to eat, pray and talk about their objectives and the needs of the community. The community was a safe place. We have forgotten our history. We have lost our understanding and commitment to being ONE and it is being ONE with Christ as the head that is the center of our power and authority. When we are aligned with Christ, we enjoy His power and authority in our lives. We enjoy it collectively as Christ’s Body. It is in surrender and humility to Him and His Body that we crucify the flesh.
Cooperatives are not intentional communities, nor are they communes, both of which are failed attempts to achieve what cooperatives achieve naturally through Christ. Without Christ, a community is more authoritarian and autocratic than communism or capitalism. They fail because they violate the God-decreed right to self-direct. We were created in the image of God, and where He is, there is freedom. The freedom that God gives is the freedom of choice because it is rooted in love – God’s love. Love, however, requires us to give up some freedom for the benefit of love. In many ways, a Christian cooperative is much like a marriage. Two become ONE, yet each person retains the rights of an individual.
Service is the Path to Greatness
When people collaborate in a community, they serve the community and each other. They come together, offering their talent, abilities and grace to the purpose of the community and each other. When we come together to serve, we position ourselves to become the best servers, and the best servers get to serve the most. It is usually considered success or greatness when we grow. Our gifts, talents and life are received by grace, and it is by grace that we give them to each other. When our main intention is to give and not take, we disarm the unbelieving skeptics and create an atmosphere of freedom for God’s love to change people.
A Refuge from Persecution and Hate
The Refuge is an expression of God’s love and care for people who are unable to take care of themselves for economic reasons or because they are persecuted and/or hated like the Jews. The Forerunners of the Age to Come Refuge is a community built upon the values and purposes of the Kingdom of God. Its objective is to engage the benefits and efficiencies of Christian community both through the online and in-person community. Members may choose to work in the community’s business activities or outside the community. Each member, however, will have a role to play within the community. The community will also use leading-edge, sustainable house construction suitable for a tropical climate, make its own electricity and grow its own food. Local students will be trained in the skills of growing organic food and building alternative housing. The community will also teach giftedness to people of all ages looking for purpose and meaning.
The concept and blessing of community was given to the church for its strength and understanding. By being placed in the unbreakable bond of love, we are one with each other, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Father. We are His, and He is ours, and we are ONE.
Please contact us for more information.
getpurpose@theforerunnerproject.com
About Our Name: The “Forerunners of the Age to Come Blog” is written for followers of Christ who are praying for His return as the final victory in the conflict between Truth and lies. As Forerunners of the Age to Come, we are called to prepare the way by praying, walking in the Spirit, and through prophetic declarations and manifestations of the Kingdom of God on Earth as a sign of His coming. Our prayer is that this ministry will empower, equip and inspire you to become the pure Bride for whom Christ is returning.
People, get ready!
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