Why is it more efficient to go to or to recognize the true source of something?
Think of the sun and how much brighter it is than the moon, which merely reflects the true source of light.
Working hard in specialized fields is the true source of productivity, and Jesus Christ is the true source of joy.
True Source of Wealth
Presidents are often credited or blamed for the country’s economic prosperity or hardship. While I think it is important to hold political leaders accountable for what they do, I think that this connection we make can lead to a misunderstanding about what brings economic prosperity.
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, the full title of Adam Smith’s main work, basically explains that nations become wealthy because people are allowed to work in specialized fields. Against common thinking of his day, he said that England’s prosperity did not come because of the government’s meddling with trade (promoting certain industries, creating a government monopoly), but in spite of it.
“In England. . . the natural good effects of the colony trade, assisted by other causes, have in a great measure conquered the bad effects of the monopoly. These causes seem to be. . . the unbounded liberty of transporting [goods] from any one part of our own country to any other [part of our country] without being obliged to give any account to any public office. . . ; but above all, that equal and impartial administration of justice which . . . secur[es] to every man the fruits of his own industry, gives the greatest and most effectual encouragement to every sort of industry.”
washingtonpost.com, 2018 proposal
I have heard very intelligent people who nonetheless talk about a smaller government budget being bad because it leads to people losing their government-paid jobs. I think they’re forgetting that the true source of valuable jobs is hard work and specialization in the market, unrestrained by government influence.
True Source of Joy
With spiritual “goods,” I am learning to remember that Jesus Christ is the true source.
My wife and I have recently noticed a lot of overwhelming goodness in others. Partly due to our coming baby, people around us have given us lots of gifts and kindness lately (but if you were considering giving us a gift and now worry that we’re getting spoiled, please close this window and forget the last 20 seconds of your life). As we prayed together, it struck us that in fact these gifts come from God. Not only did He create the people who are so kind to us, but he also gives commandments that shape our wonderful generous friends into who they are.
I get excited, stressed, nervous, elated, and sometimes disappointed about the huge variety of people in my life who serve me and whom I serve. Sometimes I am exhausted by these emotions and sad that I have to say goodbye so often. However, throughout all of these emotions, there is a consistent feeling of warmth and love that I feel from and towards Christ.
These feelings highlight the principle taught in Mosiah 2:17, “that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” These feelings also help me to see why Jesus Christ is the greatest “Joy to the World.” As I look at the longer-term view of my life I can see Him watching over and shaping me. He is the true source of “every good thing”.
Thanks to freelyphotos.com for some of their images.
