There is not a day that goes by that I don't hear someone mentioning money.....or rather the lack there of. And what's even more interesting is, it's usually coming from someone who actually does have money, they just don't have the discipline to use it in the right way. Now what do I mean, use it the right way? I believe that God intended us all to work, in order to have money, in order to take care of our basic needs. I don't ever recall reading in the Bible about things being bought on time with credit cards, but I do recall what money was used for, which was usually a place to live and food. If there were a few that spent money on jewels and wine, there was a job that supported that sort of lifestyle.
Now this might sound like a lecture on money, and it might very well be, but in fact is intended for those who complain about the lack of instead of realizing what is truly needed.....a relationship with money. I don't believe that it always has to be that thing in which we dwell on, ponder, or worry about. Trust me on this, because it's not likely you'll "get it", until you've had your ability to make money altered in some way.... that the focus is not what you can or cannot buy that particular day, but rather if you'll be able to physically get out of bed on any given day.
Now with that being said, what sort of relationship do we need to start having with our money? First of all, respect in that it's not to be taken for granted. That in order to have money, you must first work for it, unless of course you are connected to a fortune without lifting a finger. The only thing you can say about them is, they are fortunate.....period....and let that go. If I understand one thing in this world, it's that there are fortunate people and unfortunate people, with no rhyme or reason to either. No different than sick and well people...same thing applies.
There are also going to be a group who only see that it's ok for them not to work because of laziness or arrogance. Again.....you have no control over these.....just trust that whatever tax dollars of yours goes to helping those less fortunate, is actually alotted to someone who is truly too sick to work.
So why is it that those who do have a job, put in their 40 hours a week or more, receive a paycheck, still believe there is a lack of money? That money is the culprit...the bad seed.....the thing that drives us crazy. That it purposefully eludes those of us who work hard, leaving us in lack of constantly. I believe it has to do with our society, and how it makes you feel like you are lacking because you don't have the latest car, gadget, beauty treatment, etc. It's what we are led to believe we are all entitled to, whether we have the money to pay for it or not. And it gets worse each year because we are also led to believe that, in fact, if we have credit cards, then it grants us a "pass go" ticket to do or buy whatever we want....when we want it. That whether or not you have the money to pay for it in the end.....it's worth the freedom you get from being able to spend it....even though you know in reality....the money is not really there to pay for it when the bill comes in.
This is a sad state of affairs to me. Very sad, because it shows how out-of- touch people are in regards to money. They see each day that the other person has all the goodies, and therefore makes them feel even more entitled. Always viewing the difference between the have and the have nots. Always being jealous of those who have an abundance of money, or either the illusion of having an abundance of money. We have to keep in mind that no matter the status that someone has, doesn't always mean they have a healthy relationship with their money. Just means they might have better access to the credit cards. So it always appears to the outside world that they have plenty to spend and more where that came from. If you looked at their bank account or credit card balance, you might be shocked.
So, in essence, there is a strong feeling of having a lack of money. What would help us see money in a different light? What would ease up the bank accounts so we might have more money, without thinking the only way out would be to change jobs, or rob a bank? Something radical I'm afraid, for the weak and weary may not be able to make the shift that's needed in order to discover this new relationship with money.
First thing is to start thinking about the term "bare necessities." What does that mean exactly? For me it means food and shelter. Nothing more....food and shelter. In order to survive in this world, you need those two things. Anything beyond that is negotiable, questionable and requires careful contemplation. You could probably see those words and right off the bat be aghast.....then respond with.........what about my car, my cell phone, my pedicure, my travel, my childrens needs....etc. I must have those. Well, honestly, the only one that stands out there are the childrens needs......and that would also pertain to their food and shelter. No video games, no cell phones, no name brand clothes....etc.
So what happens to all the fun stuff? The stuff that everyone else has? Ah.......there it is....right in front of you. "What everyone else has." For after all, we have to keep up with the "Jones's" right? We have to make the outside world think that we are the lucky ones....that we get all the goodies, because it makes a statement about who we are as human beings. The elite, the fortunate, the blessed ones of this kingdom that God has provided for us. Well, just remember, God has nothing to do with credit cards or keeping up with the Jones's. That's something that we brought on ourselves. There is something to be said for a humble dwelling, home cooked meals, clothes from consignment, and one good used car instead of two, and people who love and appreciate your presence in their life. We only think the "stuff" will bring peace and happiness....but it doesn't.
Just remember, none of this makes us bad people. I think we are all inherently good in nature. We are just easily caught up in what the rest of the world is thinking and doing, especially with the media making us believe that we can have what we want, when we want it. We are entitled....period. But of course behind the scenes there are people struggling with what they believe to be the culprit in their life........money.....or lack there of. Always striving, kicking, screaming, focused on how they can get what they are entitled, instead of the true reality of what they have in their pockets or bank on any given day.
Just remember....you do have a choice at how you want to relate to money. You also have a choice in what you say yes to....and what you say no to as far as money. And something you know that no one else probably knows except your bank...... is how much money you actually make and how much you can afford to spend on anything other than your bare necessities. If you are one of the wealthy, you probably wouldn't feel the need to read this article. You probably feel lack in some other area....for we always trade one need for another one. But if you are one who constantly struggles with money, and not understanding why it's always an issue for you, you might want to try and think out of the box. Just because you think you are entitled to have more in this life, or walk around with the appearance of abundance, does not mean that "thinking it" will greet you at the back door with a check to pay for it.
