Singletary (a BGU by the way) has used her knowledge and abilities to build the Prosperity Partners Ministry program at her church. Through this program, church members who have financial freedom volunteer to mentor others who are experiencing financial difficulties. Bear in mind that she did that in addition to starting a prison outreach program that educates soon-to-be released inmates on how to manage their money upon release. Green and Singletary are in the company of Truett Cathy (owner of Chick-fil-A), Dave Ramsey (founder of Financial Peace University), and Jin Sook and Do Won Chang (owners of Forever 21). These men and women of God have used their enterprises, resources, and wisdom as an opportunity to minister to others partaking in the Great Commission. To be clear, pursuing financial freedom to merely become rich or be a mogul is not the objective in this column. I’ll draw on scripture to show what I mean. 1 Timothy 6:6-11 (NKJV) reads:
“6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
The truth is God does not want us to love or fear money. However, He does hold us accountable for all with which He has blessed us! Read the parable of the ten minas in Luke 19: 11-26. If money is managed correctly, made honorably, and spent wisely, a person truly can have an impact on the world for the Glory of God. It's when money becomes the source instead of a resource that leads to evil intentions and, ultimately, self-destruction. My hope is to encourage others to pursue financial freedom; becoming faithful and wise stewards with the knowledge, resources, and gifts that God has bestowed upon us.
If you are ready to get started on this pursuit, the first concepts I learned (and applied) were:
• The Wealthy’s State of Mind: the power of your thoughts
• Become Financially Literate: the key to building wealth is knowing how money works
• Discipline & Sacrifice: the foundation of money management
• On your Mark, Set, Reality Check: discovering what you actually possess
• Developing a Plan: the blueprint to money management
Over the next several issues of “bREAK. THE. bOX.,” I will focus on each of these areas and provide resources for you to check out & explore.
'til next time be a blessing and break boxes n stuff!
- Brey G.
...Don't break the bank,
bREAK. THE. bOX.