The U.S. Federal Reserve has increased the stock of money (M2 measure) by more than five trillion dollars since January 2008. Although the Fed's initial stimulus was designed to provide liquidity after the 2007 financial crisis, they have continued to increase the money supply in the hopes of stimulating the economy.
Results are mixed. Low interest rates were achieved; 10-year treasury yields are below 1.7 percent and 30-year treasury yields are below 2.5 percent. Inflation is low; the year-to-year change in the August Consumer Price Index was 1.1 percent. Money velocity has fallen significantly. The U.S. economy is experiencing the slowest post-recession recovery in history.
Some would argue that the abundance of cheap money is a root cause, or at least contributes to a number of issues the economy faces:
Stock market prices. Although U.S. stock prices are lower than this summer's record highs, prices are still higher than can be justified by profits. Low interest rates have encouraged speculators to buy riskier assets in search of higher returns. The cost of borrowing to buy stocks has also declined.
Income disparity. Low interest rates and an increasing stock market favor financial assets compared to physical assets. The policy has benefited Wall Street more than main street; the financially advantaged more than the disadvantaged.
Retirement. Low interest rates have put retirement plans under stress. The policy has also caused the elderly to work longer as the drop in interest rates lowers retirement income.
Corporate debt. Lower interest rates have encouraged corporations to take on near record debt. Unfortunately, much of the debt has gone into buying back their own stock instead of investments in productive durable goods.
Many of the challenges we face as ministers have spiritual roots. To increase our fruitfulness and address our challenges, the most effective strategy is to go to the root. Scriptures call Jesus the root of Jesse (Is. 11:10) for a reason. Roots take up water and nutrients from the soil to allow the plant to grow, flourish and be fruitful. Jesus is the answer.
The Lord identified two types of people—both related to roots—that keep the Word of God from being fruitful. The first has no depth from which roots can grow. The second allows the cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches (the love of money is the root of all evil, 1 Tim. 6:10) to compete with the Word. We need to push our charges to go deep into the Word and in their relationship with the Lord.
Jesus should be taught as our Savior and our Lord. Teaching anything less than putting the kingdom first is a disservice to our flock.
"But he who received the seed on rocky ground is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, eventually he falls away. He also who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, but the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful" (Matt. 13:20-22, MEV).
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you" (Matt. 6:33, MEV).
Lastly, when ministering to people we need to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to us any roots of the issue. Is there unforgiveness? Are there inner wounds? Is there unbelief? Do they want the issue resolved? Through loving, gentle, compassionate probing the Holy Spirit can reveal roots and allow permanent healing.
"But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own authority. But He will speak whatever He hears, and He will tell you things that are to come" (John 16:13, MEV).
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost" – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring 
Dr. James Russell is a professor of economics and undergraduate chair of the College of Business at Oral Roberts University.
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