"You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the Lord your God,
for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth,..."
Deuteronomy 8:17-18a
Have You Done This?
Has there been a time when you needed or wanted some extra money? If your answer is yes then what was your next step?
Did you...
find another job?
sell something?
ask someone's advice?
borrow from someone?
A Common Theme
I have been here in two different times of my life.
First, I was living at or below the poverty level after college graduation as I pursued a professional baseball career and a college coaching career. These were desperate years for me financially.
Second, present day, I just want more for various, extra, reasons.
However, in most of these situations, there was and still is a common mistake that I make. I don't ask God about it first. Or I waited until I was really desperate and couldn't figure it out on my own before I brought it to the Lord.
So, What's the Problem?
If we truly believe God is who He says He is, Almighty Triune Creator God who owns everything, then why is He down the list or left out of our financial issues and desires?
The answer is simple. Our earthly desires typically outweigh God's desires. Whether it's intentional or not, it is a selfish mindset that we battle.
The Fix
In order to change our process we must first renew our minds and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, II Corinthians 10:5.
Second, our motivations need to change. We must remember that we are stewards and not wealth producers.
Challenge
The next time you find yourself desiring more money don't act hastily or ask for someone's advice. Ask God first and then wait and listen to what he has to say. It will be better than what you can do in your own strength.
"It is always wise to wait on God because He gives clear direction, gets us in step with Himself, prepares us for the answer, strengthens our faith, and gets our attention and sifts our motives." - Charles F. Stanley, Handbook for Christian Living
Ryan Johnson MD5 Facilitator