Mr Ramsey encourages us to get that first $1000 socked away in a separate saving account, as fast as humanly possible. He says, “Have a garage sale this weekend, eat rice and beans every meal for the next month, work extra hours. Do whatever it takes, but hit this goal fast.” (p9) The truth is, if we really make something our number one priority, we can, and will, get that thing done. So this is not really a matter of ability, as much as it is a matter of our desire to get it done. You know the old saying, “where there is a will, there is a way.” Again I encourage you that this first step will be enough to bring you so much relief that it is well worth all the effort.
Mr Ramsey says that this first step is the easiest one, and the hardest one. Easy because, again, if we really, really focus, we can gather $1000 in a month or so. But hardest because this is the first step towards our commitment to getting financially healthy. That first step always seems like a big one. But the alternative, to say in debt and stressed out about money, is just not any alternative at all!
This first step requires that we commit to changing any of our behaviors that have caused us to be in the poor shape we are currently in. There it is again: change! Listen to the question that can trip us up if we are not willing to make this commitment, Mr Ramsey says: “When we start the process of putting that cash aside in the bank, just for emergencies, they have to make a decision: Am I going to actually take the steps? Am I done living the way I’ve been living? Am I willing to sacrifice to win?’” (p9) This seems like a no-brainer, yet too many people just walk away from this because of their fear of change, and continue living a lack luster, stress-filled life, instead of the Abundant Life, Jesus died to give us. No guilt here, but my goodness! Can we see the foolish trap the enemy tries to imprison us in, when we refuse to change our ways? The author says, “It requires you to look in the mirror, and say, ‘You’re the problem.’ When you do that, emotionally, you’ll start to win with money.” (p10)
Let’s bring it all back to the Bible which says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Gal 5:1) Jesus died to set us free. Not so we could continue to live the old, futile, self-destructive way! Change. It is good. It is required. And it can set us free. Take this first vital step, and choose today to change!
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
<>< Peace, Diane
