Inflation, wages which have less purchasing power, an unsecured border, increasing taxes, a greater regulatory burden, spot shortages, political intrigue, a slowing economy and geopolitical problems are grabbing the news. Unfortunately, the same issues are also creating anxiety, fear, anger, angst and a sense of hopefulness among many people.
We, and the world, need the kingdom message which Jesus taught.
The kingdom message is the answer to many of our problems on this earth, including financial lack. It is also a primary message of the Bible and Jesus. Kingdom economics is a necessary part of the full kingdom message.
It has been too often ignored. For purposes of this article, the kingdom of heaven is defined as the place of the throne of God where the Father and Jesus now dwell. The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom for now that impacts the physical world, will be a physical kingdom during the millennium and will eventually be presented to the Father where the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven will merge. Recognize that the Bible often uses kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God interchangeably, especially in Matthew which was written to a primarily Jewish audience.
If we want to be active citizens of the kingdom, we must follow kingdom principles. To do less and expect Kingdom results is presumptuous. Kingdom principles are clearly outlined in the Bible, and they have been tested and proven true millions of times. The following are principles of the kingdom:
Principle 1: Make sure our priorities are serving God first and that we are seeking His righteousness.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. So do not worry about tomorrow” (Matt. 6:33-34a, NASB 2020).
Principle 2: Get sin out of your life. Regardless of what you have done previously, repentance is available. Go and sin so more. As your service in the kingdom becomes more significant, your fellowship with the Lord and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit must increase and become more intimate. Temptations may also become greater.
“From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matt. 4:17, NASB 2020).
Principle 3: Remember the parable of the sower (Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23)? Jesus gave the parable of the sower to help explain the mysteries of the kingdom. The parable describes the reasons why the Word of the kingdom is nonproductive or productive. Strategies to avoid pitfalls and obtain fruit are implied:
a. If a person doesn’t understand the Word of the kingdom, they will eventually lose what they do know. Strategy: study the Word of the kingdom and maintain an open spirit.
b. A person who initially receives the Word with joy, can fall away when tribulation or persecution arises because they have no firm root in themselves. Strategy: Anticipate difficulties and remain firm in your commitment regardless of potential costs.
c. A person can receive the Word, but anxieties of the world and the deceitfulness of riches can keep the word from being fruitful. Strategy: Keep the kingdom a top priority, renew your mind and have patience.
d. A person who hears the Word and understands it, will become fruitful. Strategy: Continually listen to and study the Word, put it into action and bear fruit.
Principle 4: Willingly give tithes, offerings and all the Lord directs. The Scriptures are replete with examples of the benefits of giving.
“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together and running over. For by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38, NASB 2020)
Principle 5: Pray. Continually pray for direction, wisdom, the solution to challenges, opportunities, favor and creative ideas. Pray individually, collectively and receive prayer from others.
“Therefore, I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you” (Mark 11:24, NASB 2020).
Principle 6: Seek supernatural assistance. Use the gifts of the Spirit to demonstrate the kingdom and magnify the Lord. You have been placed in various positions of influence for a reason. Use the supernatural power of God to show the Lord’s love, demonstrate the kingdom and glorify the Lord.
“For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power” (1 Cor. 4:20, NASB 2020).
Principle 7 : Be bold in your faith, hope and love. People are hurting, fearful, anxious and in need of solutions. As citizens of the kingdom of God, we have the solution. Let us freely give what we have so freely been given.
“But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13, NASB 2020).
Attitude can be defined as a mental state which involves beliefs, values, emotions and dispositions to act in certain ways. The increased stress of the current environment will cause many to have a poor attitude—we need to be more patient. If we notice that our attitude needs adjustment, we need to reorient our focus toward the kingdom.
Our King has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. He promised us that we can have what we ask Him in faith, and we have been filled with the Spirit of the Most-High God. A kingdom-affirming, God-honoring, Love-demonstrating attitude is not too difficult for us. Let us model the type of attitude that honors Him.
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar
“Attitudes determine our actions, for good or bad.” – Dwight L. Moody. {eoa}
Dr. James Russell is a professor of economics at Oral Roberts University.
James Lasher 
Abby Trivett 
