The growth of trade led to women traders becoming intermediaries, with the early merchant class charging commission for their services. [1] Jesus detested unfair profiteering and exploitation of the vulnerable. [2] Men conducting business through trade and barter are entitled to a fair and legitimate profit, based on principles of justice and fairness. [3]
A sustainable future for economics requires blending profit motives with service motives to avoid destructive competition and align with Christian ideals. [4]
Today, the profit motive in industry is rapidly being displaced in this continental nation by higher driving forces such as play, skill, scientific achievement, and intellectual attainment, with public service becoming the chief goal of ambition. [5]
Profit-motivated economics will fail unless supplemented with service motives, as ruthless competition based on narrow self-interest is ultimately destructive and incompatible with Christian ideals and the teachings of Jesus. [6] The gain motive, when augmented by the desire to serve, serves as a mighty civilizer in modern society. [7]
Profit motivation must not be taken away until superior nonprofit motives for economic striving and social serving have been firmly established in society. [8]
Economics driven solely by self-serving profit motives is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus, but can be saved if coupled with a spirit of service. [9]