What's the problem?

So next week I start some undergraduate classes in economics and finance at Bethel. These are prerequisites for a potential MBA. Because the classes are part of the adult studies program, they include first assignments. So for these classes, I need to read a couple chapters for each class and write a short paper for one of the classes.

Have you ever wondered, "What's the problem?" I mean, why are there rich people and poor people? Why are there wars? Why is there suffering in much of the world? Why are there starving people who will not make it through tonight? Why are there so many unhappy people?

The first paragraph of Chapter 1 in Tucker's Economics Today defined the problem as scarcity. Scarcity is "the condition in which human wants are forever greater than the available supply of time, goods, and resources. Because of scarcity, it is impossible to satisfy every desire."

Folks, it is impossible to satisfy every desire. That is why the rich have to increase their wealth. That is why houses are replaced with larger houses. The text stays primarily in the material realm - money, houses, cars boats... However, I think it is probably safe to say that this applies across the boards. It is impossible to satisfy every desire. We aren't loved enough. We aren't happy enough. Our thirsts are never quenched.

Jesus offers an alternative economy.

John 6:35 (New International Version)

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

He is more than enough.