"...for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little." (Philippians 4:11-12, NLT)
Remember in the movie "City Slickers" when Curly held up his finger and said "You have to find the one thing"? For every area of our lives, I believe there is the "one thing". Its the key that will make us successful in that particular area of life. For finances, I believe the key, the "one thing", is found right here in Philippians. It's learning to be content with what you have, in every situation, whether with a lot or just a little.
The problem with our personal finances today is that most of us live in a mentality that says we need a lot. But when is "more" ever "enough"? Until you learn to be content, it never will be. Now here my heart...I'm not saying that you shouldn't ever desire something more, I'm just saying don't let it rule you. Don't let it make you a slave to the lender. Don't let it make you a slave to the clock. Don't let it make you a slave to the expectations of others. Be content.
To be content, you have to know purpose. Paul (in Philippians 4) was content because he knew purpose! Understanding your purpose will get you through even the most difficult circumstances. When you have a vision, something you are working towards, and a reason for it, you'll find yourself operating with an intensity and diligence that you can't manufacture...its simply a by-product of understanding your destiny. It's what drives the entrepreneur working on his nth business venture after failing multiple times. It's what keeps a couple afloat while they live with milk crate and cardboard box furniture as they work to pay off their debt. It's what motivates a person to make sacrifices they wouldn't normally make for the greater good. Without purpose, life has little meaning.
If you're interested in learning how to be content and discover your purpose, there are some great resources out there. I recommend "Chazown", a book by Craig Groeschel, that will walk you through the process of clearly understanding your unique and important purpose, so that you can walk out your life with passion and fulfilment. There's also a "tool kit" online so to speak that you can access to help you develop your own personal plan. I also recommend "Visioneering", by Andy Stanley as another great resource!
Deanna Koffler, Nine36 Financial (936 Financial)
