Money Therapy (Part 4)

Go to fullsize imageDo you worry about bills and payments, and rationalize why you don't have more money?  Is money your number one concern in your life?
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"Only the individual with a healthy, wholesome self-view will feel inwardly rich when he or she is outwardly broke," writes psychologist/bestselling author Dr. Marsha Sinetar.

The above point came home to Dr. Sinetar when she interviewed an environmentalist who lived on less than $450 per month but who exuded much joy, thanksgiving, and ecstasy for life.  She was stirred to investigate what this man had that more moneyed or wealthier persons lacked. Dr. Sinetar released her finding: "Essentially, what he possessed was a peaceful, full heart, a spiritually complete nature, and an ability to see beauty all around him instead of lack."

Indeed, our biggest enemy is an "inward enemy" - the attitudes and expectations we possess toward money. You do not get a right, healthy view of money from the distorted dictates of the world. You do not get it by being intimidated by a culture that equates high monetary worth with worth as a person.  It's a lie.

Some time ago, I deliberately made a choice of my lifework where there would be consequences on income.  It comes from a position of service and calling from God, not from a position of materialism.  Of course, like everybody else, I work and make a living where God shows Himself faithful. But it's not money, mansions, cars, travel, insurance etc that "make" me feel secure.  My security lies way beyond those temporal, fading pleasures. I am secure within myself in Him and His everlasting treasure.

JESUS said: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also... Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food ... Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ...  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:  19-21, 25-27,  33)

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