Role of Discipline
Financial discipline is the most undervalued, disregarded, and yet incredibly important attribute that one ought to learn. And it takes a lot of discipline to form a good financial habit. First thing to note here is that there is a lot of friction between the phrases “financial” and “discipline”.
On the one hand, when it comes to “financial” or money, or, more specifically, spending money, the outside pressure is nearly overwhelming. Every second of your waking time, you are subjected to a range of advertisements, either publicly declared or veiled in devious ways. All in the name to make more money and increase in wealth which is very noble.
On the other hand, when it comes to “discipline” or responsibility, the pressure from our hedonistic lifestyle is comparable, if not more. Being strict about anything (whether it’s your money or your fitness regimen) is sometimes seen as “renouncing” something, foregoing pleasures or activities that you might otherwise engage in. Unfortunately, not everyone is patient enough to subject themselves to such to attain the financial height their heart desires.
In today’s blog, we’ll be looking at certain habits that will help us discipline ourselves for that financial height which we desire.
5 Habits to cultivate for financial blessings
Habit of Giving
The number one habit to cultivate is the art giving. Luke 6:38, a significant passage, reads, “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” For with the same measure that you mete, it will be measured to you back.” According to Deuteronomy 14:23, one objective of tithing was to educate the Israelites to prioritize God in their lives.
It is also a habit that helps you prioritize God in your life. I’ve discovered a few methods in which I can prioritize God on a daily basis. One option is to have some quiet time. If I am hesitant to meet the Lord every morning when I get up, it indicates I am placing someone or something else ahead of the Lord.
Live within your means
The second habit to cultivate is that of living within your means. This is where most people fail woefully in handling or managing finances. Most people make the mistake of spending their money even before it arrives hence compiling debts for themselves and children. We must learn to live within our means. We must learn to cut our coat according to our cloth.
Habit of Saving
The third habit is about saving money–putting something away for a rainy day. Proverbs 21:20 is quoted as follows: “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” And Proverbs 22:3 underlines, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Some persons complain that the money they earn is too small hence they cannot save. I’m here to inform you that if there is any money to spend then there is a money to save. Form the habit of saving.
Keep out of debt
The fourth habit is to stay out of unneeded debt and so escape the debt cycle. Borrowing money for a home or a vehicle is one thing; taking on financial responsibilities that prevent you from purchasing more than you can afford is another. According to Psalm 37:21, “the wicked borrows and does not repay.” When a person gets into debt, he loses part of his independence. According to Proverbs 22:7, “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” The habit of borrowing has destroyed many lives and families but you have to decide today to form anti-habit which is to ensure you keep out of debt.
Contentment
The fifth habit is to be satisfied with what you have. Hebrews 13:5 states it simply: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” It is lack of contentment that make people spend beyond their means. It is lack of contentment that make people borrow. You must learn to be content with what you have, no matter how small it is, and how big your problems may seem to appear. Be content. It is a golden habit to have as a Christian.