2005-04-30 - Limit Time Involvement

Nine Steps to Financial Freedom, Part 7

Originally Published 08-23-2003

Hey Friends,

We are continuing with the Nine Steps to Financial Freedom, to answer the questions: How can we achieve financial freedom? What must we do according to God's plan?

Remember that In Step 1, we learned the first thing that we must do is as Christians is to Transfer Ownership of every possession to God.

In Step 2, we learned that we must Become Debt-Free.
In Step 3, we learned that we must Establish the Tithe.
In Step 4, we learned that we must Accept God's Provision.
In Step 5, we learned that we must Keep a Clear Conscience.
In Step 6, we learned that we must Put Others First.

Step 7: Limit Time Involvement

A Christian also must limit time devoted to business affairs, when family involvement suffers. "Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens" (Proverbs 23:4-5). Many Christians are trapped in this cycle of over-commitment to business or money pursuits.

It's important to remember that the priorities God sets for us are very clear, and that every Christian who seeks God's best must understand God's priorities.

The first priority in a Christian's life is to develop his or her personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The second priority of a Christian's commitment is to family, which includes teaching them from God's Word. This training requires a commitment to the family unit, and that means a specific time commitment too. Christ deserves the best part of our day. If you study best in the morning, get up early in the morning and give time to the Lord. Sacrifice, if necessary, to do so.

If you find that your family time together can take place best between 8:00 and 9:00 in the evening, commit that time to God. Turn off the television, computer etc. Have the children do their homework early, and begin to study the Bible together. It is important for the whole family to understand God and to pray together. Pray for those in need, too. Help your children become aware that Christians, as intercessors, can pray for others and expect God to answer. Teach your children what ministry is all about, and enjoy doing ministry with them, so that it will be a part of their lives.

The third priority in a Christian's life should be church activities, social groups, work and all the hobbies that he or she might have. If you have any questions, comments, or criticisms throughout this series or any other devotional that I may write, please e-mail me.

God Bless you, My Friends!
Rob

rob@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org