Wednesday, February 4, 2009

God's Plan For Financial Health

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Staying healthy financially is a bit like staying healthy physically: There aren't any shortcuts or "magic pills," but rather it's dependent on numerous factors that have to be done with regularity.

To get healthy or stay healthy physically, you must do a number of things in proper balance—eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, dress appropriately for the weather, avoid stress, stay clean and avoid germs, etc. You can't only eat well and expect to be healthy; you also need to do those other things. Each is a part of God's health plan, and they all work together to bring about the desired result.

It's the same with getting healthy and staying healthy financially. You have to follow God's financial health plan as best you can. That means first and foremost making time for your spiritual life and relationship with Him—"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4)—but there's more to it than that. You also need to work hard, be honest and fair in business, pray for His guidance before making financial decisions, be thankful for all He gives you, avoid waste, and give back to Him by supporting His work and workers, as well as giving to others in need, etc. You have to enact each part of God's financial health plan and keep the right balance, or you can't expect His full blessing.

At the same time, you need to remember that having a good income and financial stability isn't the be-all or end-all of the Lord's blessing, any more than it's the be-all or end-all of life—or as Jesus put it, "One's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15). Sometimes His blessings come in other forms that benefit us even more, such as good health, protection from accidents, a loving family, a happy and harmonious home life, true friends, peace of mind, and purpose and fulfillment in life.—David Brandt Berg

Be Thankful

The Lord is a wise investor. He gives the most to those who are thankful for the blessings He's already given them. We can show Him our appreciation by thanking and praising Him regularly—by not taking His generosity for granted. No benefactor would continue giving to someone who isn't grateful for what he or she has already been given.

The more you learn to recognize God's goodness and the more you make it a habit to thank and praise Him at every turn, the more He will bless. So tell Him how much you love Him and how thankful you are for all He does for you. As you praise and love Him, He loves you in return and pours His blessings on you. Praise down the blessings of God.—Maria Fontaine

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