The Biblical principles of capitalism must be blended with social values to present a thorough safeguard from greed and other excesses prevalent in capitalism. Jesus spoke clearly of the need to care for the less fortunate. Right after the parable of the talents, which teaches capitalistic concepts, Jesus described the end of time when the sheep will be separated from the goats according to judgment based on how well we care for the needy. Let’s read it.

 The King will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me…to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” Matt. 25:34-36,40

We find a similar theme in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke16: 19-31). The rich man who smugly lived a life of luxury without helping the poor, is compared to Lazarus, who was longing to eat the crumbs off his table. After the two died the rich man was sent to a place of torment and Lazarus to a place of blessings. Clearly Jesus was teaching that we should use what we have to help others. Jesus also modeled this as well by directing his ministry to the needy. Harold Eberle states it like this:

Jesus associated with the downtrodden and lowly. He revealed the heart of God and established a pattern by which all Christians should live. It is also important to note the blessings associated with helping the poor. Not only in the next life, but God has promised to bless in this life those who care for the needy.

That is practical. That is Biblical. That is Christian.