Economic growth results in a higher standard of living. More people are employed and more resources exist to improve education, highways, and social safety nets.
Growth creates more disposable income with which to send missionaries, build churches, and have more meaningful church outreaches to the poor and disadvantaged. Lower national output has opposite effects.
Over the last 10 years, the Federal Reserve has increased the U.S. supply of money (M2) from about six to nearly 12 trillion dollars in an attempt to stimulate the economy. But the expected benefits have been largely offset because the velocity of money has fallen dramatically.
Consumers are less willing to spend. Some of this reaction may be attributed to wise caution and prudence. But, much of this reaction is because consumers have become anxious, less certain of the future, more pessimistic, and even fearful. Anxiety and fear harm economies.
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More importantly, anxiety and fear are hindrances to the Kingdom of God. Testimonies are not said. Tithes and offerings are not given. Callings are not accepted. Prisoners are not visited. The poor, homeless and destitute are not helped. Churches, outreaches and even businesses are not started and expanded. Missionaries stay home. Sins remain unconfessed. The hurting are not helped and encouraged because our gifts of the Spirit remain dormant. Anxiety and fear are rampant in today's modern culture and its effects are devastating.
Fear and anxiety can and often does invade our pulpits. The Word is compromised. Sermon topics are selectively chosen so as not to offend. Sin is ignored, minimized and even approved. Preferences are given to the wealthy and well connected. Gifts of the Spirit are in abeyance.
Inspiration is ignored because of a preplanned program or tradition. Too many citizens in the Kingdom are not being equipped. Many are denied the help they so desperately need.
But we have assurances from the King of Kings. Ministers should make every effort to equip the flock to overcome fear and anxiety. As ministers we should model and provoke courage, strength and boldness. The Word gives the following principles.
1. Preach the uncompromising Word of God. Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction (2 Timothy 4:2 NASB).
2. Operate in the gifts of the Spirit. For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (2 Timothy 1:6-7 NASB).
3. Emphasize relationship with Jesus and the fruit of the Spirit. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear ... We love, because He first loved us (1 John 4:18-19 NASB).
4. Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33 NASB)
Dr. James Russell is a professor of economics and undergraduate chair of the College of Business at Oral Roberts University.
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