You'd think he'd learn, but stepping on it once didn't stop him from
doing it again.
Our Chihuahua isn't satisfied with our small back
yard when it comes to bathroom breaks. He prefers the greater outdoors
where fireant beds abound and where using the bathroom on top of a mound
is his favorite pastime. But what he does thereafter makes sense. When
stung, he sits until I eliminate what's stinging him. His dilemma,
however, is not learning his lesson. Prior foolish actions don't prevent
him from repeating his folly.
I've discovered the same about
finances. Prior poor choices don't necessarily keep me from stepping on
the same painful mistake again . . . Or similar ones. "Trust in your
money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring"
(Proverbs 11:28 NLT). Repeatedly stepping on mounds of stinginess,
selfishness, neglect, and foolish decisions are indications I need to
stop and reconsider.
God loves a cheerful giver; he also loves a
generous one. God gave the best he had by allowing his Son to pay for my
sins. No leftovers . . . No seconds. And while selfishness would be my
norm if left to myself, my pattern should pattern God's.
And
while love turns my attention outwardly, God's Word also directs me away
from unwise decisions such as cosigning for another person (Proverbs
17:18) and accepting bribes (Proverbs 17:23). God's wisdom helps
distinguish between assisting someone and enabling them to continue in
unwise behavior.
I also need to be stop and consider the
borrowing mound. Few people can make all purchases with cash, but when
to borrow, how much, from whom, and for what purpose are important
questions to consider.
Ask God for wisdom with your financial
decisions. Having our financial house in order reduces stress and allows
us to use our money to help others.
Prayer: Thank You merciful
Lord for erecting financial stop signs that prevent us from treading on
dangerous financial mounds that can leave us disappointed, destitute,
and depressed.
