D&C 49

As the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation to teach the Shakers in the area, the Lord taught -

"...behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.

20 But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 49:19 - 20)

Obviously, the Lord provided beasts, fowls, and the things that come from the earth for our benefit and use, it was verse 20 that caught my attention.  What is it that the Lord meant ths one man should not possess that which is above another.  Again, obviously because of the sin of selfishness and wickedness is the reason, but again what does He mean with possessions over another?  Does it mean that all men should be equal in all possessions?  To understand, my thoughts went to other revelations that should be considered to understand its meaning.  The Lord has taught the following -

"...the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them."  (Pearl of Great Price  Moses 7:18)

And of the righteous Nephites after the visit of the Savior in the Americas -

"...they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor..."  (Book of Mormon
4 Nephi 1:3)  

He also taught -   "...every man equal according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 51:3)  

Obviously, the Lord's defiinition of equal was not equal in possession and things, but equal with the opportunity to possess according to wants and needs.  For the Lord also adds -  

"Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:42)  

All things in common would not suggest joint ownership for -  

"We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 134:2)  

Ownership and development of property is a right and privilige to reap in righteousness.  And finally -  

"...ye must visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief, that they may be kept until all things may be done according to my law which ye have received."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 44:6)  

It is my conclusion, which I believe comes by inspiration, that it comes down to agency and concern for the welfare of the children of God.  I believe, referring back in verse 20, that everying is to be equal in possessions and property, but equal in the right to obtain possessions and properties.  In referring to the things of the earth, one should not control and not allow others to possess the same.  The free market allows "commonality" where individuals have the right to be equal in possessions or the use of the things of this earth.  The free market better allows access to all the things of this earth.  In my mind, it does not mean everybody owns the same things or totally share the same things.  For obviously it has to with a range of abilities, wants, needs, industry, idleness versus laboring, etc.  But nonetheless, we are commanded to care for the poor and the needy for they will always be among us.  It comes down to righteous agency not selfishness.  I believe this in accordance with celestial law.