Competition vs co-operation

Proverbs 3:27 - 4:19 and Mark 4:21-34 (For texts click here and here)

We are rapidly getting used to the idea that a market economy underpinned by a capitalist philosophy is the only sensible solution to meeting the needs of the human race. It seems to work well for many people, generating wealth and harnessing the aggressive and competitive side of human nature and steering it into the direction of understanding each others needs through enlightened self-interest. But we have seen that there needs to be significant controls around this market melee if the worst, most selfish instincts of human nature are not to ruin life for everyone. These 'controls' must be rooted in a higher philosophy, a greater ideal of what it is to be human. If these 'controls' stem from this higher ideology what is it? How do we express it?

Our readings today both point towards this greater paradigm of human understanding. Proverbs calls this greater perspective and understanding "wisdom". The wisdom described here is relational, it is all about not acting in isolation for yourself. Help your neighbour when you can - don't withhold help - co-operate! In families, listen to each other and respect the wisdom of those with greater life experience and hear their wisdom.

Jesus teaches about the fulfilment of this human ideal in the Kingdom of God, a way of being that fulfills human potential both in their relationships with each other and their relationship with God. There is a humility before God that accepts and lives in gratitude for the gift of life - not seeking to pin down or control but enjoying and celebrating the blessing of life. He describes this way of living and being as a tiny seed that will grow to be the largest of all trees and calls upon the image of the tree as a self-less life-support system for the creatures that live in it. Again, the picture has the feeling of sharing and generosity of giving and receiving, not competing and beating. It progresses from survival of the fittest to care and love for everyone and everything because of their intrinsic value.

There is a far greater ideal, a richer wisdom underpinning human existence than the buy and sell of a capitalist economy and the sooner we realise that the market is a useful tool and not our master the sooner we can harness the co-operative power of relationships and take another step towards the Kingdom of God.