The November employment report was generally stronger than expected. From October, total payrolls were up 211,000 while private payrolls were up 197,000. Both payroll numbers were higher than pre-report estimates but lower than last month's strong report. 

The headline unemployment rate (U-3) remained constant at 5 percent. But a broader measure of the unemployment rate (U-6), increased from 9.8 to 9.9 percent. The broader measure includes unemployed workers who have become discouraged and quit looking for a job, those who have looked for a job in the last year and involuntary part-time workers.

In November, the number of involuntarily part-time workers increased 319,000 when compared to last month. These workers want a full-time job, but they have been forced to accept employment on a part-time basis. Many have been moved from full-time to part-time status. Others, upon entering or re-entering the work force, have only been able to find part-time employment. Some are working two or even three part-time jobs to try to make ends meet.

In the kingdom, we are commanded to help the poor, love (especially our brothers and sisters in Christ) and to raise up disciples. Many of these part-timers are working poor. Many are in our churches. They may already have a good work ethic, but need help in moving from survival to sufficiency to abundance.

Often, a little help is all that is required to move these brothers and sisters in Christ from daily struggles to making significant contributions to society and the kingdom. Their testimony and influence will be enhanced to all. We have the opportunity, with the help of the Lord and the Holy Spirit, of figuratively transforming an environment of lemons into lemonade.

"As concerning brotherly love, you do not need me to write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. And indeed, you do have love for all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, that you increase more and more" (1 Thess. 4:9-10).

To help these individuals, we need in identify the problem(s). An "employment readiness" audit is helpful. Specifically, we need to determine whether the issues are:

1. Skills. Does the individual possess skills that employers demand? Do skills need to be developed or enhanced? Does the individual possess good communication skills? What skills can they document with past performance?

2. Professional appearance. Is the individual's professional appearance such that a potential employer would want to hire them? Do they need interview clothing? Does the individual need help with their resume or job application?

3. Environmental. Will the individual need child care or scheduling accommodations to take care of their children? Is transportation an issue? 

4. Attitude. Is the person motivated? Is the individual responsible? Are they optimistic? Do they want to be helped?

5. Connections. Do they have connections with local employers? Do they need help in their job search? Are they relying on formal search processes or do they know people who could be of help in their job search?

6. Integrity. Does the individual have good ethics? Are they known as a person of integrity? Can they be put into sensitive positions quickly? Are they honest? Can they be trusted? Do they have a good work ethic?

7. Spiritual. Does the individual have a relationship with Christ? Do they have a servant mentality? Do they love others? Are they gossips? Do they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit? Are they a person of prayer? Do they read the Bible?

As we lift these individuals up to a better life, we are bringing a little bit of the kingdom of heaven down to earth. We are doing the Father's will on earth. Rest assured we will have the full support of heaven and its resources as we attempt to help those less fortunate.

Dr. James R. Russell is professor of economics and chair of the Undergraduate College of Business at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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