Our printed money here in America has this printed on every single coin and bill:
"In God we Trust."
But as Christians is that really true. I don't expect it to be true for those who don't trust God with their lives, but for those of us who have, do we trust God or have we given in to fear. The US government was just downgraded. Instead of searching for solutions, they are busy playing the blame game. The stock market is going haywire again. America is in a state of panic again.
But our trust isn't in the American Economy. We have a God who can supply all our needs. We have a God who guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus when we cast our cares upon Him. We have a God whose perfect love casts out all fear. It is God who gives us the ability to earn income, gain wealth and provide for our family. How is your trust in God right now?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Are you investing in your Financial Future?
Yesterday I saw a status update on Facebook that was along the line of the following statement:
“I was going to sign up for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, but then found out it cost $100. Its ridiculous to have to spend that much on how to manage my money. If I had $100 then I wouldn’t need his class.”
Unfortunately this comment is not an isolated thought. After leading financial ministries at churches for a few year now, this is a common theme. The idea of having to spend money on learning how to manage money is not one most people enjoy. Especially when money is tight. However, this line of thinking will keep you trapped in a cycle of poverty for the rest of your life. Those who are wealthy “invest in their economic future.” They are willing to spend money if they know that it will help them.
In the corporate finance world, we call this ROI. ROI stands for return on investment. Is what I am getting from this expense generating a larger value for me down the road (whether that benefit is realized in the short-term or the long-term).
Getting back to the individual, are you willing to invest $100 to $200 in your financial education? Do you view this as an expense or an investment? Are you looking at the cost or the benefit of what you will gain out of it? What if that investment saved you $100 a year? What if is was $100 per month? What if the $100 per month well invested made you a millionaire? Would it be worth it then? What if the way you stewarded your money changed your entire life? What if it allowed you to be a more generous person thereby changing others lives? What if it changed your marriage? What if it improved your relationship with God? With others?
What if that simple $100 investment changed everything? Would it be worth it then?
How about as a church? Have you invested in the economic vitality of your church lately? Do you see financial books, or coaching, even being selective about your financial committee as an investment or an expense?
“I was going to sign up for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, but then found out it cost $100. Its ridiculous to have to spend that much on how to manage my money. If I had $100 then I wouldn’t need his class.”
Unfortunately this comment is not an isolated thought. After leading financial ministries at churches for a few year now, this is a common theme. The idea of having to spend money on learning how to manage money is not one most people enjoy. Especially when money is tight. However, this line of thinking will keep you trapped in a cycle of poverty for the rest of your life. Those who are wealthy “invest in their economic future.” They are willing to spend money if they know that it will help them.
In the corporate finance world, we call this ROI. ROI stands for return on investment. Is what I am getting from this expense generating a larger value for me down the road (whether that benefit is realized in the short-term or the long-term).
Getting back to the individual, are you willing to invest $100 to $200 in your financial education? Do you view this as an expense or an investment? Are you looking at the cost or the benefit of what you will gain out of it? What if that investment saved you $100 a year? What if is was $100 per month? What if the $100 per month well invested made you a millionaire? Would it be worth it then? What if the way you stewarded your money changed your entire life? What if it allowed you to be a more generous person thereby changing others lives? What if it changed your marriage? What if it improved your relationship with God? With others?
What if that simple $100 investment changed everything? Would it be worth it then?
How about as a church? Have you invested in the economic vitality of your church lately? Do you see financial books, or coaching, even being selective about your financial committee as an investment or an expense?
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