Beware of Beautiful Chains
If you are old enough, think back to life 20--30--even 40 years ago. Think of the "necessities of life" back then. Now think of all of our "necessities of life" today. How did we survive back then without cable or satellite TV, internet, cell phones, tablets, eating out every day, Starbucks, two cars, a 3000 square ft house, jetted bathtub, walk-in spa shower and of course a granite topped island in our kitchen?
There is nothing wrong with having nice things. The problem comes when those nice things become beautiful chains holding us down, keeping us from truly experiencing financial prosperity and freedom. Financial prosperity isn't about having things, it is about being free to give on any occasion. It is being able to help someone without checking the bank balance. The problem comes when we have a good income but still live paycheck to paycheck because we must make the payments on all those wonderful necessities while they become beautiful chains that bind us.
What if tomorrow your income stopped? What if it just decreased by 50%? We know that my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus-- Philippians 4:19. But what are your needs, really? A roof over your head? Food for your family? Transportation to and from work?
Today I just want to encourage you to re-evaluate your needs and your wants. What would leave the "need" list if your income decreased 50%?
Henry David Thoreau wrote "Our lives are frittered away by detail...simplify, simplify" Simplify your life. Stop allowing your possessions to own you. Step off the "hamster wheel"--it's going nowhere. Watch those beautiful chains fall away and experience true financial freedom. Financial freedom is never about how much you make, it is about how much you owe and what owns you.
The following verse is true, I know, from personal experience. Even in times of job loss, we always had food on the table and somehow payed our mortgage and avoided financial destruction. God takes care of His own, but we must be wise.
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. Psalm 37:25
~~Arlene Luchie
If you are old enough, think back to life 20--30--even 40 years ago. Think of the "necessities of life" back then. Now think of all of our "necessities of life" today. How did we survive back then without cable or satellite TV, internet, cell phones, tablets, eating out every day, Starbucks, two cars, a 3000 square ft house, jetted bathtub, walk-in spa shower and of course a granite topped island in our kitchen?
There is nothing wrong with having nice things. The problem comes when those nice things become beautiful chains holding us down, keeping us from truly experiencing financial prosperity and freedom. Financial prosperity isn't about having things, it is about being free to give on any occasion. It is being able to help someone without checking the bank balance. The problem comes when we have a good income but still live paycheck to paycheck because we must make the payments on all those wonderful necessities while they become beautiful chains that bind us.
What if tomorrow your income stopped? What if it just decreased by 50%? We know that my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus-- Philippians 4:19. But what are your needs, really? A roof over your head? Food for your family? Transportation to and from work?
Today I just want to encourage you to re-evaluate your needs and your wants. What would leave the "need" list if your income decreased 50%?
Henry David Thoreau wrote "Our lives are frittered away by detail...simplify, simplify" Simplify your life. Stop allowing your possessions to own you. Step off the "hamster wheel"--it's going nowhere. Watch those beautiful chains fall away and experience true financial freedom. Financial freedom is never about how much you make, it is about how much you owe and what owns you.
The following verse is true, I know, from personal experience. Even in times of job loss, we always had food on the table and somehow payed our mortgage and avoided financial destruction. God takes care of His own, but we must be wise.
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. Psalm 37:25
~~Arlene Luchie