2011 New Year's Resolution, Part 1
Need a resolution for the new year? Are you the type of person who likes to have goals each year? Perhaps you like to challenge yourself. If so, you might have already set your New Year's goals. If you're still looking for a resolution or two, I have an idea or two for you. (There's nothing better than making resolutions for others!) Over the next couple posts, I will share a few ideas.
Idea #1 -- Get Control of Your Money
Money is a deeply spiritual issue. Paul writes that "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Tim 6:10). Notice that money is not the root of all evil, but the LOVE of money is. Money can clearly "get into our heads" and distract us from more important priorities in life.
One doesn't need to have lots of money to be distracted. Debt can eat us up and occupy our thoughts and energy. One of the ancient proverbs reads, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender" (Prov 22:7). Borrowing money literally enslaves us to those who lend us that money. Try not paying that credit card company back and see how it goes!
One of the church's greatest problems is a lack of resources. A large number of people are overrun by financial problems, and many Christians are no different. Sometimes, these struggles stem from our national economy. I am acquainted with many folks who have lost jobs or had their salaries cut through no fault of their own. Even those who are financially stable can struggle under the weight of lost, long-term income.
Others, however, struggle because they have not gotten control of their money and are not ready for life's common problems. When people live life with no margin for error, the slightest malfunction can become a major emergency. Debt becomes an easy option for those who have nothing in reserve. This lack of preparation hurts the church, too, because many church members stop giving when they find themselves torn between debts and "emergencies" that must be repaid.
Much of this is avoidable, however, when individuals learn to manage their money. One path to financial freedom is Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. We're offering this class here at College Church. There are other good tools available.
It's never too early to start using your money wisely. I know many young people who exit college with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. This will handicap their lives & church involvement for years. Imagine how much better our churches would be if we all gained better control of our money. God will be glorified if we are free to serve Him rather than money.
Idea #1 -- Get Control of Your Money
Money is a deeply spiritual issue. Paul writes that "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Tim 6:10). Notice that money is not the root of all evil, but the LOVE of money is. Money can clearly "get into our heads" and distract us from more important priorities in life.
One doesn't need to have lots of money to be distracted. Debt can eat us up and occupy our thoughts and energy. One of the ancient proverbs reads, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender" (Prov 22:7). Borrowing money literally enslaves us to those who lend us that money. Try not paying that credit card company back and see how it goes!
One of the church's greatest problems is a lack of resources. A large number of people are overrun by financial problems, and many Christians are no different. Sometimes, these struggles stem from our national economy. I am acquainted with many folks who have lost jobs or had their salaries cut through no fault of their own. Even those who are financially stable can struggle under the weight of lost, long-term income.
Others, however, struggle because they have not gotten control of their money and are not ready for life's common problems. When people live life with no margin for error, the slightest malfunction can become a major emergency. Debt becomes an easy option for those who have nothing in reserve. This lack of preparation hurts the church, too, because many church members stop giving when they find themselves torn between debts and "emergencies" that must be repaid.
Much of this is avoidable, however, when individuals learn to manage their money. One path to financial freedom is Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. We're offering this class here at College Church. There are other good tools available.
It's never too early to start using your money wisely. I know many young people who exit college with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. This will handicap their lives & church involvement for years. Imagine how much better our churches would be if we all gained better control of our money. God will be glorified if we are free to serve Him rather than money.
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