When allowed to function freely, a market economy will correct economic imbalances.
For example, suppose a drought reduces the supply of carrots. The price of carrots increase. Consumers purchase fewer carrots and increase their consumption of other vegetables. The higher price encourages farmers to plant more carrots and importers to search for carrots from around the world.
As consumers purchase less and farmers (domestically and internationally) produce more, the price of carrots will fall to normal levels. The economy has automatically corrected itself.
But suppose price is not allowed to function freely. For example, assume the government passes a law which keeps the price of carrots from increasing; supposedly to help the poor. Consumers will not reduce their purchases. Farmers will not plant more carrots. Imports of carrots will not increase. The reduced supply of carrots will manifest as a physical shortage. With possibly good intentions, the government has made the situation worst. It abandoned the protections of a free market.
When we were saved, we experienced the goodness, mercy and grace of the Lord. When we were filled with the Holy Spirit we felt His empowerment, companionship, guidance and fellowship. We felt our minds being renewed and our faith grow as we studied, contemplated and applied His Word. We have felt His presence and wanted more. We have seen Him answer prayers and began to pray with more boldness. We came to know Him and wanted to know and serve Him more.
But over time, we can become complacent, lukewarm, or even backslidden. The cares of this world, the pursuit of riches, offense, pride, unrepented sin and a host of other reasons can divert us from the narrow upward path.
We need principles and habits that are designed to automatically alert ourselves and/or others of danger signs to move us back on an upward tract. We need:
- Fellowship with other believers-relationships that are close enough to lift each other up.
- Accountability. Accountability partners can catch danger signs before they erupt into major problems and can promote a growing relationship with the Lord.
- To study, think about, and apply the Word daily. The Word will often bring us to repentance, build our faith, and encourage us to come up higher. It will reveal the heart of God and His ways.
- Communicate daily with prayer. In addition to thanksgiving and adoration, our petitions should be specific. We should remember that prayer is two-way and listen to His guidance. We will often be led to correct our thoughts, words or behavior.
- Listen to and obey the Holy Spirit. He will give us checks in our spirit, conviction, and guidance. Importantly, He will empower us with the ability to overcome.
We also been given the freedom to choose. We can choose to stay on the upward path that leads to unimaginable blessings, joy, and peace. Or we may choose the lower path and suffer the consequences.
"Examine yourselves, seeing whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified" (2 Cor. 13:5).
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen" (2 Cor. 13:14).
Dr. James Russell is a professor of economics and undergraduate chair of the College of Business at Oral Roberts University.
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