Have you ever taken a real hard look at yourself in the mirror? While studying your reflection, did you notice the changes age has introduced to your appearance? Did you stare at your natural self long enough to take a glimpse into the strengths, weaknesses, power, insecurities, and hypocrisies that are at work within you? This type of analysis often leads to a conviction that bears truths that we’re not always sure we’re ready to accept or deal with?
I wonder if today we are prepared to take a nose dive into the mirror of our finances. I’m curious to know whether or not we’re honestly ready to tell the truth about why we aren’t further along financially. Is it because we’re content with where we are at this present moment, or that we don’t know how to take the next step? If we each were to sit down with a pen and a piece of paper and were given five minutes to list our monthly income and expenses (to include the dates that the accounts are payable and receivable), how many of us would be able to accurately display them on the page? Better yet, how many of us could admit to consistently paying our obligations on time, or to knowing where we’re going next in our financial decision-making process? The truth is that until you and I are really open to staring at what is as well as what must change, we cannot begin to properly plan for what could or should happen next.
My challenge to you (and me) today is to take some time to sit down and record all monthly income and expenses. Place a star next to the item(s) that are a source of great concern. If possible, include a short description in regards to how you feel about the items on the page. For example, how do you feel about the $1,200.00 you earn each month for 160 hours of work? Which of your current debts are you most anxious to pay off and why?
Sitting down into the heart of a hard situation is often the very best thing to do in order to empower yourself to stand up and walk out of it. I know this might be difficult, but take some time to thoroughly engage in the process. You are so much more than your current financial picture displays. Psalms 139:14 proclaims that you and I were fearfully and wonderfully made. That’s something that our financial strengths and weaknesses cannot change. However, together we can put in the work to transform them so that they become aligned with that truth. Yes, even our money should echo God’s sentiments. We are fearfully and wonderfully made!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them below (you can leave your name, which is under “Name/URL”, or choose to post as “Anonymous”); and if you’d like further one-on-one assistance, you can email me at: cmbriscoe7312@gmail.com).
It’s been great spending time with you today!
We are much more than we appear to be.
This blog gives you much to think about on this rainy but beautiful day. I cannot help to think everyday when I see my image in the mirror of where I am in life with God @ financially. What I see most definitely does not make me feel happy or on tract with Gods purpose and plan for me. What steps can be made to move from this blurred vision I have?
ReplyDeleteBryan, thanks for sharing. Listen, start right where you are. First, give God thanks for the postive reflections you see glaring back at you in your financial mirror. We spend too much time and energy focusing on what we don't have and where we aren't. The truth is that rarely motivates real change. Real change begins with changing the statements we make, the standards we set, and the strategies we follow. Celebrate what money can't change about you and your life. Then, take a good hard look at your spending. Name one empty investment you keep making and commit to redirecting that cash. For example, if you have a passion for youth but don't know what you could possible give, consider giving up a $50.00 cable bill to contribute that money to a local after school program for children. Watching your favorite shows or sports might provide immediate gratification but it's also temporary. However, contributing to your passion will not only improve children's lives, it will work wonders for building your self-esteem and provoking you to take even more steps closer to your authentic self...the man who tenaciously pursues and thrives in God's purposes for his life. Hope this helps! If not, let's keep at it.
ReplyDeleteCup said: I have always written them down according to priority but I've never followed through. I'm going to follow this blog step by step. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI've thought and fought with this for many a year. But I have resolved to allow God to control that which is to much for me. I hear well intentioned people telling us to make a plan-30 day, 2 year, 5 years from now plans for your future however I realized that God knows my agenda better than I do. So my plan is to allow Him to control everything about me and in return, I've resolved to get to know Him better with the 30 day plan, 2 yr. plan, etc. Some of the examples you've mentioned have already been a part of my life for many years and I didn't realize it was God who first put the desires there and not my selfish self. I have decided to get to know Him better each 30 day period. I've decided to allow Him to control and manage my life. I've decided to be more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit-who leads and guides me into ALL Truths. I've decided to live the example of Christ-likeness in spite of what the external affairs look like. Above all, I've decided to make GOD my 1st priority because the Word tells us to seek Him first and then everything else will be added to us. He alone will bring the right people into my life that will assist me in managing the 'THINGS'He has promised those that love and honor Him.
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