SUNDAY
JUNE 29, 2014.
'I will give you...right
desires...' Ezekiel 36:26 TLB
Financial
Freedom
The
Millionaire Next Door is a bestselling book about two people living on the same
street, in comparable homes, working at similar jobs. But by age fifty, one is
financially secure while the other is drowning in debt. The problem isn't
money; it's unwillingness to defer gratification. We want what we want now!
Many times we associate happiness with spending, so when we feel down we go
shopping. Think about it: When you got your last bonus or tax refund, was your
first thought, 'What can I buy?' Be honest! Paul says, 'Do not conform
to...this [world's value system]...be transformed by...renewing your mind...'
(Romans 12:2 NIV) When it comes to money, you must ask God to give you 'right
desires'. Robert Orben said, 'Every day I...read the Forbes magazine list of
the richest people in America. If my name isn't on it, I get up and go to
work!' The Bible says, 'Do not despise...small beginnings...' (Zechariah 4:10
NLT) Big things are a culmination of small ones. So: Give God the first tenth
of your income, save ten percent, and live on the rest (Proverbs 3:9). As your
earnings grow, invest 50 percent of the increase in a 'financial freedom
account'. Once you stop spending every penny you earn and start saving, an
interesting dynamic comes into play. The act of disciplining yourself to save
even modest amounts will empower you financially, spiritually and emotionally.
Abraham Heschel said, 'Self-respect is the root of discipline. Your sense of
dignity grows with the ability to say no to yourself.' In addition to helping
you achieve financial freedom, self-control enriches every area of your life.
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