BEGINNING AGAIN FINANCIALLY

Have you ever wished you could "begin again" financially? I once heard
a sermon by a noted pastor in which he read a poem called "The Land of
Beginning Again." The pastor then presented the claims of Christ,
explaining that He is King in the Land of Beginning Again. Each of us
has experienced his share of errors, failures, and missed
opportunities.
We all have things that we would do differently if given a second
chance. What wonderful news to know that, in Christ, the slate is wiped
clean and we do have the opportunity of beginning again.
In a similar fashion, many who have become weighed down by debt wish
they could get free. They have learned that the satisfaction that comes
with spending is brief indeed compared to the pressure of making
monthly payments, which often go on for years. For some, it seems hopeless. You
may sometimes feel this way yourself.
If so, take heart! You can make great strides this year. It will
require planning, discipline, sacrifice, and singleness of purpose, but it can
be done!
A friend of mine likes to say that the most powerful force in the
universe (humanly speaking, of course) is singleness of purpose.
Individuals or groups, no matter how determined, disciplined, or
talented, will never realize their potential for growth and
accomplishment without singleness of purpose. Their time, money, and
energies must be focused on common goals. One thing that successful
people seem to have in common is an emphasis -- perhaps that's putting
it too lightly, make that an obsession -- concerning setting goals.
Without singleness of purpose and specific goals, we can become like
the person described in Scripture as double-minded. "That man should not
think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded
man,unstable in all he does" (James 1:7-8). So let me encourage you to
engage in a meaningful goal-setting exercise as you work to get
debt-free. Here are some suggestions for effective goal-setting in any
area of life; adapt them to your financial situation.
• Set goals that are consistent with God's Word. Many successful people
have accomplished much, yet remain unhappy. Having singleness of
purpose toward the wrong goals only leads to wrong results. Examine your
motivations, as well as your actions, in the light of God's wisdom.
• Ask God for His guidance. This is not the same as having Scripturally
sound goals. This has more to do with having the wisdom needed to set
the right personal priorities. God promises to guide us if we're
willing to submit to Him. It's not: "Show me Your will, Lord, so I can decide
if I'm willing." Rather, it's: "Before You even reveal Your will to me,
Lord, the answer is yes."
• If married, set your goals together. If two have become "one flesh,"
it's critical that they have a singleness of purpose in their
commitment toward common goals. Few areas will so quickly affect a couple's
relationship as a financial plan that limits their spending freedom
because it brings mutually conflicting goals into the open. If you
can't reach a meeting of the minds on what your priorities should be, perhaps
the marriage relationship itself needs some work.
• Put your goals in writing, signing your name and date. This act helps
cement in your thinking that you really have made a firm commitment of
your will to achieving your goals. It is also helpful to have your
goals posted where you will see them daily as additional motivation to stay
the course when the inevitable temptations to compromise arise.