It seems that recently this word is being tossed around by the western media, politicians, and government entities in our nation. Initially, one must ask, is this a biblical concept, and then attempt to understand its advantages and / or disadvantages in various applications.
At the outset of this discussion, one must fully recognize that within the framework of authentic Biblical Christianity, the forgiveness of one’s sins and the gift of salvation is not, cannot, and will never be based upon or granted to an individual as a result of human merit! (See Romans 5:8, Ephesian 2:8-9) If humans could obtain a right standing before God through meritocracy, God’s gift, the sacrifice and atoning death of Jesus Christ, would have never taken place or have been required for the redemption of humanity!
Way too many people assume that how they live their lives will make them acceptable or not acceptable to God. That’s a common lie from world religions and the enemies of Biblical Christianity! Sadly, most humans, when confronted on how they will fare when they die and meet God, say something like, “Well, I think I’ll be all right, I’ve never done anything really wrong, never really harmed anyone, and I am better than most.”
TRAGIC!
Romans 6:23 speaks distinctly,
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
A gift doesn’t come through a meritocratic system. It is no gift at all if it is somehow earned! Nonetheless, there are meritocracy concepts revealed in the scriptures – some good and some not so pleasant.
Nonbelievers are all judged according to their works / deeds. (See Romans 2:5-6, Revelation 20:11-15) This is a perfect meritocratic system. Sorrowfully, no one did enough … therefore, none are found to be worthy, gaining or being awarded the gift of eternal life, the forgiveness of sin, and redemption, which is only granted to those who accept the meritocratic life and death of Jesus Christ as the means / process of their eternal redemption / salvation.
For a believer in Christ Jesus, there is also a meritocratic system! However, this one provides rewards based upon what is accomplished while alive in Christ Jesus on the earth (See 1 Corinthians 3:10-13, 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:8), rather than a system of properly earned punishment / judgement (See Romans 3:23). The parable of the “Talents” also presents a meritocracy in which the 3 servants are participating and dealt with according to their deeds.
Now when it comes to human governmental systems, meritocracy can be used as a viable instrument for good and blessing or for corruption. Simply put, meritocracy rewards hard-work and the continued development and use of skills / abilities. In a perfect setting, those who are willing to use their skills and work are rewarded based on their accomplishments or lack thereof, similar to that of the 3 servants in the Parable of the Talents. In this system, language, social class, gender, wealth, skin color, nationality, culture, DEI quotas / concepts, etc. would have no bearing at all; however, education, training, experience, and on-going productivity would potentially provide greater opportunity, advancement, and reward based upon performance and achievement. In other words, promotions are based upon more than showing up, who one knows / personal connections, favoritism, one’s maneuvering within a company’s system, or even the number of years on the job / tenure.
Again, in an ideal system, which doesn’t exist due to human sin nature, compensation is based on pay-performance models, and career advancement / opportunities are based upon their potential, merit, etc., regardless of an individual’s background.
One of the potential downfalls of this system is if everyone is required to perform or produce equally without regard to their own actual abilities. In the Parable of the Talents, the 2 servants did not produce equally, nor were they rewarded equally, but instead, in accordance with their accomplishments.
In government, like that of the United States, this system is seldom used in an equitable fashion and actually becomes inefficient and defective. Seldom are individuals promoted or appointed to positions based on merit. Much different than that found in the scriptures! However, this may be changing a little in the USA with local, state and even national government organizations.
A Silicon Valley start-up company once used a skill-based screening process to identify the highest-performing talent. The imperial bureaucracy of China has used competitive examinations within the communist party to appoint government officers and officials. The British East India Company used competitive examinations to both hire and promote its workers. Needless to say, this type of management results in hard-work, diligence, and continued stewardship of both personnel and resources.
In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 14:23
The Lord expects all His people to actively use their gifts, skills, talents, abilities, and opportunities in this life wisely, for His glory, and for the provisions, needs, and desires of one’s life in this world. However, believers should refuse the trap of trusting in their own abilities and riches (See Proverbs 11:28). In addition, we are called to live without envy and / or greed (See Psalm 37:7).
It’s impossible to identify whether meritocracy is, on the whole, good or full of corruption, because it can be used either way, depending on the moral and ethical character of those managing the system. If incorporated by God Himself, perfect – left to humanity, who knows! Is meritocracy at odds with a Christian worldview and the foundation we rest and build upon from the scriptures? No, but it can be heartless, cold, and lack empathy as an exclusionary, graceless, merciless system … none of which are things which we, as the children and heirs of Christ, are called to exemplify.
THINK ABOUT IT!
His & Yours, because of G R A C E (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)
Pastor Frank