|
|
|
Published since 1990, Sound Mind Investing is America's best-selling financial newsletter written from a biblical perspective. Visit the Sound Mind Investing website.
Click here to request a free information packet regarding the Sound Mind Investing newsletter.
Click here to investigate the widely-acclaimed "Sound Mind Investing" book, available at a 35 percent discount!
|
| |
|
starting over
Beginning Again Financially
CBN.com
– Have you ever wished you could begin again financially?
I once heard a sermon by a noted pastor in which he read a poem called The Land of Beginning Again. The pastor then presented the claims of Christ, explaining that He is King in the Land of Beginning Again. Each of us has experienced his share of errors, failures, and missed opportunities. We all have things that we would do differently if given a second chance. What wonderful news to know that, in Christ, the slate is wiped clean and we do have the opportunity of beginning again.
In a similar fashion, many who have become weighed down by debt wish they could get free. They have learned that the satisfaction that comes with spending is brief indeed compared to the pressure of making monthly payments which often go on for years. For some, it seems hopeless. You may sometimes feel this way yourself.
If so, take heart! You can make great strides in less time than you might think. It will require planning, discipline, sacrifice, and singleness of purpose, but it can be done!
A friend of mine likes to say that the most powerful force in the universe (humanly speaking, of course) is singleness of purpose. Individuals or groups, no matter how determined, disciplined, or talented, will never realize their potential for growth and accomplishment without singleness of purpose. Their time, money, and energies must be focused on common goals. One thing that successful people seem to have in common is an emphasisperhaps thats putting it too lightly, make that an obsessionconcerning setting goals.
Without singleness of purpose and specific goals, we can become like the person described in Scripture as double-minded. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does (James 1:7-8). So let me encourage you to engage in a meaningful goal-setting exercise as you work to get debt-free. Here are some suggestions for effective goal-setting in any area of life; adapt them to your financial situation.
• Set goals that are consistent with Gods Word. Many successful people have accomplished much, yet remain unhappy. Having singleness of purpose toward the wrong goals only leads to wrong results. Examine your motivations, as well as your actions, in the light of Gods wisdom.
• Ask God for His guidance. This is not the same as having scripturally sound goals. This has more to do with having the wisdom needed to set the right personal priorities. God promises to guide us if were willing to submit to Him. Its not: Show me Your will, Lord, so I can decide if Im willing. Rather, its: Before You even reveal Your will to me, Lord, the answer is yes.
• If married, set your goals together. If two have become one flesh, its critical that they have a singleness of purpose in their commitment toward common goals. Few areas will so quickly affect a couples relationship as a financial plan that limits their spending freedom because it brings mutually conflicting goals into the open. If you cant reach a meeting of the minds on what your priorities should be, perhaps the marriage relationship itself needs some work.
• Put your goals in writing, signing your name and date. This act helps cement in your thinking that you really have made a firm commitment of your will to achieving your goals. It is also helpful to have your goals posted where you will see them daily as additional motivation to stay the course when the inevitable temptations to compromise arise.
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
|