Wouldn’t it be great that if when we become Christians our minds were instantly renewed to God’s ways? Too bad, but it just does not happen that way! If we want to continue to grow we need to challenge our thinking and ask God to show us His ways. There are times we each need to ask ourselves what the spirit of the Lord wants to teach us... how to change our thinking… how grow as a man or woman of God. We need to ask ourselves, how will I be different from what I am right now when I am 20 or 30 or 40 or 50 or older?
In the area of our thinking about finances many of us were raised to love money…the things money can buy, wanting the security that comes with having lots of money. So how do we become a person that the “love of money” does not continue to rule our hearts? In my mission and journey as a Christian, I do not want to have the same thinking about money that I had at 20, 30, 40 or even when I am 60. I want to be able to progress. But, I can’t progress if I don’t examine my thinking and take hold of the Word. I have to start living the principles of God’s Word.
Remember Jeremiah 29:11 says God’s thoughts are higher than my thoughts. So in my mission of life I say, “Okay Father God, Your thoughts are higher than mine. I want to have your thoughts. I’m going to learn Your ways, and Your ways will become my ways.” As I continue to challenge my thinking with God’s Word I become stronger and stronger and my thoughts become closer to His thoughts. When I first started off as a Christian, His thoughts were so much higher than mine, but as I have continued to walk with Him, although His thoughts are still higher, I am getting closer. That is our goal! To continuously change as we are becoming more and more like Him.
Here are a couple smart truths to help you along your journey to renewing your mind in the financial realm:
1. Tithing: Malachi 3:8 - Do what God has commanded you to do, so you can do all that God has called you to do! When you bring your tithe, also bring your faith as you believe for the windows of Heaven blessing upon your life.
2. I establish God’s Covenant on this earth! Deuteronomy 8:18, He gives us the power to get wealth to establish His covenant. Our Mission needs to be spiritually connected! This is our main priority. When our mission is not clear, we can get consumed with spending for ourselves and not establishing His covenant.
3. Learn how to say “No” - realize you do not have to buy everything you want.
4. Learn how to say “Yes” “Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no! This is an extremely important characteristic of financial strength and security! We need to learn how to have discipline in doing what is right.
5 Rise Early! Proverbs teaches us to prepare for our day and when we rise early we can seek God and then be ready for what God would like to have us accomplish!
6 Smile and love people!