The economic situation in Greece is dire. The government currently has insufficient resources to pay all of its obligations by May 1 without a fresh infusion of cash. For the last five years, risk of a Greek default has been imminent. The European Community and International Monetary Fund have always arrived with a last minute rescue. But this time may be different.
The Greek people have been suffering. Overall unemployment is nearly 26 percent and youth unemployment is close to 50 percent. Two-year bond yields are approaching 30 percent. Public debt is more than 100 percent of the country's gross domestic product. The Greek government recently confiscated the cash of municipal governments.
The Greek people have elected a populist government on the promise of less austerity. The European Community is pushing for continued austerity with more infusions of cash dependent on economic reform. Over the last three months, the two sides have not moved closer. If Greece defaults, contagion to other countries is a possibility.
The structure of the euro zone is the problem; monetary and fiscal policies are separated. Greece has the euro for its currency, but controls its own budget, debt, taxes and other economic policies. If the drachma were still its currency, a lack of economic discipline would result in a weaker drachma, which would instantly make Greece more competitive and increase its exports.
In contrast, undisciplined Greek economic policies do not automatically translate into a weaker euro. The same challenges exist to a smaller degree with Portugal, Italy, Spain and even France. Economic forces are in place to encourage the development of a more economically, politically and perhaps socially integrated Europe. The Greek situation also emphasizes the importance of structure.
Is the current structure of our ministries the best? Have we organized our ministries in a haphazard way? Are our ministry structures the result of convenience, personal preference or nepotism? Could we be more effective in accomplishing our objectives with a different structure?
Too many times structures are adopted based on what others have successfully implemented. When it doesn't work for our ministry, we may try to adopt yet another structure, program or practice that is working somewhere else. If that also doesn't work the cycle continues.
Our ministries were born with a specific mission and purpose from God requiring specific direction. We are promised fruit that was foreordained from the foundation of the world. We need and should seek His guidance, direction and power in all things, including ministry structure.
The Bible certainly gives broad guidelines. But it also gives sufficient flexibility to adapt structures according to the direction of the Holy Spirit. The Lord gave specific direction regarding construction of the tabernacle, and He will give specific direction for the construction of our ministries.
As ministers let us prayerfully consider the structure. As we are faithful and consecrate all things to Him, we can expect our ministries to grow to their God given potential and glorify His Name.
Dr. James Russell is a professor of economics and undergraduate chair of the College of Business at Oral Roberts University.
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