Strengthen Your Hand

Proverbs 10:4
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”

I’ve been misunderstood most of my life, so nowadays it doesn’t bother me when friends and loved ones don’t understand some of my decisions. For example, while the world around me is texting their lives away, I have only recently embraced the mobile phone technology. I am the first to admit that I am a late adopter of technology. I probably will not own a Blackberry or PDA until they're sold at the checkout counter at Wal-Mart or Kmart, and they are being sold for $19.99. I didn’t get an iPod until I received one as a Christmas gift.

Some people may view my purchasing decisions as strange, but they work for my budget. I know, it is shameful that I ask people to call me after 7 p.m. (CST) when my unlimited minutes start and to only text me when there is an emergency. You know, like if you’re kidnapped or stuck in a ditch. In my opinion, all other matters can be handled via e-mail or my home phone. Yes, I actually still have a home phone and a great FICO score.

This week, I share this with you because it is an example of the diligence I attempt in my financial affairs. Like millions of Americans, I have watched my food bill soar and my retirement account dwindle as our country and other nations experience recession. Yes, I know some Christians are not participating in the recession; however, the world around us is participating and we are guilty by association. Because of these things, I cannot manage my affairs with a slack hand.

To date, have you been slack with your financial affairs? Are there cuts that you need to make to weather this financial storm?

I’ve never been one to follow the crowd, so I’ll tell you in a minute when I can’t afford to do something. Can you? Are you still heading out to lunch during the week when you know that you could buy more meals at the grocery store?

Don’t be slack, be honest.

No one else knows your financial situation but you.

Don’t allow co-workers, friends, or loved ones to put more on you than you can bear. I know it is easier said than done, but “no” is still in the English vocabulary.

Just recently, I was in a group meeting and someone suggested going out to dinner that with group gratuity would have amounted to around $25. While a few people did not agree, I suggested a potluck. Yes, I know some potlucks can be unlucky, but this was a group of sistahs! Even if some of us could only be trusted with drinks and store-bought desserts, there were enough of us to furnish the entrées and side dishes. Hey, it is what Suze Orman advises. (Suze’s new book is available as a free download at www. Oprah.com until Jan. 15, 2009)

Whether you are spending too much time or too much money, know today that if you are dealing with a slack hand you will experience lack in some area of your life. This week, paste this Proverb on your wallet, debit card, or next to your credit cards.
Now, don’t use this Proverb as your excuse to keep passing the offering basket at church; rather, consider its richness the next time you consider making that purchase that will leave you emotionally, nutritionally, spiritually or financially broke.

Continue to walk in your blessings,

A.D.Simmons