PART 2

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCES IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

1Timothy 6:6-19

The are four (4) categories of people in the world:

a) The Haves
b) The Have Nots
c) The Yet to Have
d) The Use to Have

Often, (a) and (b) can't sleep. "The Haves' because of their money and 'The Have Nots' because they have no money.

There are four ways to protect your finances:

(1) It is certain: It is common, it is normal and it is certain that you can't escape economic uncertainty. Uncertainty is certain! 1Tim 6:17 - Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, not trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.
⁃ No single investment works every time, therefore, diversify into other areas to make money. Diversification is for a man of faith and a man of faith is a man that can take a risk. Even, God took a risk by creating man. Profit will always flow back to you when you diversify - send your grains across many waters.

⁃ Expect changes and look for opportunities within and around you. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, don't be too rigid to make changes when and where it is necessary in the pursuant of your goal.

⁃ In spite of the uncertainties, correct principles work correctly every time.

⁃ Where can we get timeless wisdom to unlock, hold and fasten our life during financial crises? The Bible! Biblical perspective is always right, always relevant and it never changes.

⁃ Job is uncertain, wealth is uncertain, savings/retirement plan is uncertain. Only God is certain - 1Tim 6: 17b …but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. Psalm 62:5 …yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him (NIV)

⁃ Financial institutions come and go but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

(2) The most important economic indicator is not what the experts tells you: As a christian do not be led by sense knowledge in taking economic decision but be led by the spirit of God.

⁃ You account and cheque book is the best indicator of the state of your economy. The in-flow, out-flow and the balance in your account is the clear indicator of your state of economic health.

(3) Economic crisis creates a climate of tension, anxiety and fear: Ecl 7:7- Surely oppression makes a wise man mad… In times like this, you are either a thermostat or a thermometer. It is called a thermostat or thermometer principle.

⁃ When the atmospheric condition is unbearable, a thermometer turns red in panic. That is, the condition is what determines the reaction level of a thermometer. When the condition is bearable, the thermometer is stable but when the condition is unbearable, it panics and turns red.

⁃ The thermostat controls the atmospheric condition, it is in control, it gauges and determines the condition. Now, the question is; which one are you? A themometer or a thermostat?

⁃ You panic when your finances is going red because you think God is not faithful - A thermometer christian.

⁃ Be a thermostat christian. Control the economic climate around you by using the four (4) principle enumerated in part 1 of this write up.

(4) Regardless of the financial forecast control your approach: You can always control your approach, your attitude and your response to whatever the experts are forecasting- Job 3:25-26 -For the thing I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.

⁃ Job was offering sacrifices unto God out of fear of what might happen. He was not doing it out of faith in God.

⁃ Sometimes, we work in fear thinking we are working in faith.

…to be continued

© Kayode Adebiyi (Kay Lord)