The Injustice of Excessive CEO Pay: A Call to Address Wealth Gap & Embrace Jesus'

You Are Right, Abigail Disney

Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of Roy Disney, co-founder of The Walt Disney Company, recently criticized the excessive pay of CEOs, stating that they are paid far too much. She went on to say that if a CEO's salary is 500 times the median worker's pay, then even Jesus Christ is not worth that much.

While I agree with Ms. Disney’s statement, my reasoning may be different from hers. Jesus is not worth a $22.5 million annual salary because the value He brings to the world is immeasurable. Paying Jesus $22.5 million annually would be an insult, like paying a carpenter to build a house and then paying him with a few nails and a hammer.

The Value of Jesus

The value of Jesus cannot be measured in dollars and cents. He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the Prince of Peace, and the King of Kings. His value is eternal and infinite. He came to earth to do the will of His Father, to seek and to save the lost, and to give His life as a ransom for many. His value is immeasurable because He accomplished what no one else could do. He reconciled us to God and made a way for us to have everlasting life.

Jesus’ value is not based on what He did, but on who He is. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. He is the Creator of the universe, the sustainer of all things, and the One who holds all things together. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him.

The Injustice of Excessive CEO Pay

Ms. Disney’s criticism of excessive CEO pay is spot on. The fact that some CEOs make 500 times more than their median workers is unjust and immoral. It is a sign of a broken system that values profit over people, greed over generosity, and selfishness over selflessness.

When CEOs are paid exorbitant salaries, it not only hurts their employees, but it also harms society as a whole. It perpetuates the wealth gap, creates inequality, and undermines the very fabric of our democracy. It is a form of modern-day slavery that enslaves the working class to the wealthy elite.

What the Bible Says About Money

The Bible has a lot to say about money and how we should use it. It tells us that money is a tool that can be used for good or evil, depending on how it is used. It also tells us that we cannot serve both God and money, and that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

Jesus Himself spoke about money often, and He had some powerful things to say about it. He told us to store up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. He also said that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

The Bible also teaches us to be generous and to care for the poor and needy. It tells us that the righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. It also tells us that whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.

The Call to Action

So what can we do to address the problem of excessive CEO pay and the wealth gap it creates? First, we can support companies that pay their employees a fair wage and treat them with dignity and respect. We can also support policies that promote economic justice, such as a living wage, progressive taxation, and affordable healthcare and housing.

Second, we can practice generosity and kindness towards those who are less fortunate than us. We can give to charities that help the poor and needy, volunteer our time and resources, and advocate for policies that address poverty and inequality.

Third, we can live our lives in a way that reflects the values of Jesus Christ. We can love our neighbor as ourselves, treat others with kindness and respect, and seek to do good in the world. We can also pray for wisdom and guidance as we navigate the complexities of our economic system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ms. Disney is right. CEOs are paid far too much, and Jesus is worth more than any amount of money. As followers of Christ, we are called to be good stewards of the resources God has given us, to seek justice for the poor, and to live our lives in a way that reflects the values of His kingdom.

Let us pray for wisdom and discernment as we seek to address the problem of excessive CEO pay and the inequality it creates. And let us remember that the true value of our lives is not measured in dollars and cents, but in the love we give and the lives we touch.