If Only We Had More Money...
For some reason women tend to have a dissatisfaction with their bank accounts' balances. We always wish there was more there at the end of the month, just so it looks and feels like we're getting ahead. We make plans for that money, should it ever come in , and we spend tons of time trying to find new ways to bring more money into the home.
The problem with expending this energy, though, is that it's often fruitless. We already have a preconceived notion in our heads of how we'd save our money, or find other ways to spend it. And unless you're a "Once I've decided, my mind's made up" kind of person, having that money in hand probably wouldn't change much.
Besides, is it really about the money, or is it more about the concept of having money? The love of money may be the root of all evil, but the love of knowing we have money is just as bad. We tell ourselves all sorts of interesting stories and make odd decisions based on our family finances.
Myth #1: If only we had more money...we'd pay off our debt. We like to think this is exactly what we'd do, but the world puts other "things" in our path. Our eye is on the prize (or the debt reduction plan as the case may be) but then we see an advertisement from an electronics store or a great clothing sale. The whatever money we had is gone and we're no closer to our goal. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Proverbs 21:20
Myth #2: If only we had more money...we wouldn't fear the future anymore. We've been conditioned to think money will solidify the future. "Things are bad now, so prepare while you can - it's going to get worse!" We get shocked into thinking that having a padded bank account is the only thing keeping us alive, which takes our eyes off God's Word. Better is fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. Proverbs 15:16
Myth #3: If only we had more money...we would have the resources to make our lives better. There's a common misconception that we have to either spend tons of money or make lots of sacrifices to improve our standard of living. The truth is that life is often great the way it is...it's all about perspective. Do you really need that bigger and better whatever or can you make do and enhance what you already have? Often we overlook the blessings of what we possess now because something shiny distracts us. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:8
Myth #4: If only we had more money...we could invest and make that money work for us. Would you really? We'd like to think we'd put money away for a rainy day and be consistent with our savings plan and investments. But what about the first time a really great sale comes along? Or there's something we see that we don't know how we've lived without? The best laid plans can be wiped away in a moment if we're not dedicated to being good stewards of the riches God has given us. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
Myth #5: If only we had more money...we could buy those big-ticket items. Which would be great if we followed through with this plan. More than likely we'll find several ways to spend a little here and there than save and buy what we really want. And then we'll go ahead and buy that large item on credit - then we're back to Myth #1! This can be a vicious circle unless we're truly grounded in what God says about our finances. And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15
The problem with expending this energy, though, is that it's often fruitless. We already have a preconceived notion in our heads of how we'd save our money, or find other ways to spend it. And unless you're a "Once I've decided, my mind's made up" kind of person, having that money in hand probably wouldn't change much.
Besides, is it really about the money, or is it more about the concept of having money? The love of money may be the root of all evil, but the love of knowing we have money is just as bad. We tell ourselves all sorts of interesting stories and make odd decisions based on our family finances.
Myth #1: If only we had more money...we'd pay off our debt. We like to think this is exactly what we'd do, but the world puts other "things" in our path. Our eye is on the prize (or the debt reduction plan as the case may be) but then we see an advertisement from an electronics store or a great clothing sale. The whatever money we had is gone and we're no closer to our goal. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Proverbs 21:20
Myth #2: If only we had more money...we wouldn't fear the future anymore. We've been conditioned to think money will solidify the future. "Things are bad now, so prepare while you can - it's going to get worse!" We get shocked into thinking that having a padded bank account is the only thing keeping us alive, which takes our eyes off God's Word. Better is fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. Proverbs 15:16
Myth #3: If only we had more money...we would have the resources to make our lives better. There's a common misconception that we have to either spend tons of money or make lots of sacrifices to improve our standard of living. The truth is that life is often great the way it is...it's all about perspective. Do you really need that bigger and better whatever or can you make do and enhance what you already have? Often we overlook the blessings of what we possess now because something shiny distracts us. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:8
Myth #4: If only we had more money...we could invest and make that money work for us. Would you really? We'd like to think we'd put money away for a rainy day and be consistent with our savings plan and investments. But what about the first time a really great sale comes along? Or there's something we see that we don't know how we've lived without? The best laid plans can be wiped away in a moment if we're not dedicated to being good stewards of the riches God has given us. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
Myth #5: If only we had more money...we could buy those big-ticket items. Which would be great if we followed through with this plan. More than likely we'll find several ways to spend a little here and there than save and buy what we really want. And then we'll go ahead and buy that large item on credit - then we're back to Myth #1! This can be a vicious circle unless we're truly grounded in what God says about our finances. And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15
Some fantastic and very helpful thoughts here, Laura. Proving once again, the true battlefield in nearly every area of life is the heart and mind. I love that verse from Haggai.
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