‘A Christmas Carol’ and the joyful business of mankind

Scrolling online, I encounter an endless stream of videos trying to teach me to make a six-figure income, or selling a new business opportunity, or sharing the secret to retiring by the age of 30. Sometimes these videos offer good advice, but other times the tips they share—focused on loopholes and shady marketing—leave me wondering if the cost of wealth is too high. And I think about Jacob Marley. 

Marley, from “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, spends his life chasing wealth and hoarding it. But he spends his death carrying a heavy chain and wandering the world, cursed to finally see his life’s purpose but unable to pursue it. As a ghost, Marley warns his business partner Ebenezer Scrooge to change his ways or suffer the same fate. 

Yet Scrooge protests, “But you were always a good man of business, Jacob.”

It’s easy for us, like Scrooge, to admire good men of business. After all, it seems they can buy anything they want—power, beauty, health, freedom. Who wouldn’t want the picture-perfect life wealth can buy?

But, as Marley reminds us, things look different in light of eternity:

“‘Business!’ cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again, ‘Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!’”

Scripture offers a similar summary of our business: He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).

God doesn’t want his people living like Marley—sitting in the office, sharing none of our blessings, neglecting any relationship that doesn’t produce material benefit. Instead, God calls his people to engage in the business of humanity. 

But what does that actually look like—not on the snowy streets of Victorian England, but in the middle of Christmas shopping, meal prep and laundry loads?

Maybe, like Scrooge’s transformation, it begins with supernatural intervention.

According to Scripture, if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5). Ask God to show you what human business needs your attention, which distractions might get in the way and to open opportunities for you to make an impact.

Then, simply pay attention. The business of humanity doesn’t require you to shed your individuality, quit your job or cancel your internet connection. It only requires you to open your eyes, see the people on the margins and, in love, use the resources you already have to do good. 

Consider:

• Volunteering two hours every month to sort donations at your local food pantry
• Using your social media platform to educate friends and family about important causes
• Collecting spare change throughout the month, then donating it to programs making a difference in your community
• Donating unwanted clothes and homeware to a Salvation Army Thrift Store to support local rehabilitation centers
• Writing encouraging holiday cards to seniors
• Organizing a coat drive for people experiencing homelessness
• Volunteering to teach a class—financial literacy, art, fitness, cooking—at your local community center
• Opening a Little Free Library in front of your home
• Ringing the bell at a Red Kettle to spread holiday cheer and help fund impactful programs for families in need 

Ultimately, these small acts of kindness bless not just the recipient but the giver. In “A Christmas Carol,” Scrooge transforms from a lonely, bitter and stingy man to a generous, joyful and kind one. His world—and his purpose—finally expand beyond the confines of his office. His heart grows to accommodate more than money. 

The business of self may lead to more power and a heftier wallet, but the business of humanity leads to more fulfillment and more joy. 

And according to Jesus, the business of humanity has eternal value. 

He said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). 

Do Good:

• What cause matches your calling? Take our What’s Your Cause? quiz and find where your passion meets purpose—so you can make the biggest impact for good, starting today.