2005-05-14 - Avoid Indulgences

Nine Steps to Financial Freedom, Part 8

Orignally Published 2003-08-30

Hey Friends,

I want to give an update on my debt situation. I took a financial step backwards this month, because I had some extra needs to take care of, and also I have adopted a friend - to help her take care of a kitten she acquired this month. My debt was down to $1,000.00 at he beginning of the month, but now I am up again by $174.00 for a total of $1174.00. However, I am pressing on towards the goal I have set of financial freedom.

Remember this: Financial Freedom does not mean that a person will not have to make a purchase on credit, or make a loan.

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 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.
In Step 7, which is Limit Time Involvement.

Step 8: Avoid Indulgences

To achieve financial freedom, every Christian must avoid the indulgences in life.

The range in which God’s will can be found is between Luke 9:23 when Christ said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." - and John 6:27: “Do not work for food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give you. For on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”

Does your lifestyle fit within this range? Are you willing to trust God and deny yourself some indulgences? As you do, He will supply you even more. Unfortunately, most of us are self-indulgers, rarely passing up a want or desire, much less a need. But, in light of the needs around us, it is important that Christians assess their standards of living. Most of us can reduce our expenditures substantially without a real reduction in living standard.

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

I want my life to be for the glory of God