Considering Vows

Proverbs 20:25

It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly

and only later to consider his vows.

In the last few weeks, I had an acquaintance that was so moved by the story of a young woman, he offered to donate several thousand dollars to this woman and her family. Unfortunately, when it later came time to write the check, he began to consider and REconsider those vows. He did end up giving, but it was less than he had first dedicated and I don’t believe he did it with the same heart he had initially.

So what are your thoughts? . . . . .

A. Was he just trying to be seen?

B. If he couldn’t afford to do it, then why did he say anything at all?

C. Was he just allowing emotions to drive his decisions?

Well, let’s put this in another context.

Have you ever been at a church service where the guest speaker or even resident pastor asked for some random amount of money to signify some current occasion?

“Give $700 for the seven years of completion sermon;” or

“Bring $440 for the 44 years of the pastor’s anniversary.”

Did you do it, only to regret it later? Did you feel guilty after pledging money that you knew you didn’t have? Did you feel like you had to because EVERYONE was watching to see if you’d get in the $700 line down the prestigious center aisle as opposed to just the $70 down the left aisle?

Disclaimer: I’m not saying that anything is wrong with these requests or that one may not be blessed for adhering to them. As you will see, there’s a point coming up here shortly, so hold on church enthusiasts!

My position is simply that we shouldn’t be driven by emotions and dedicate a thing whether it be time, money or services in a hurried, abrupt or rash manner. Instead examine yourself, your time and your finances along with the situation and be sure that its an instance that will allow you to truly give freely and from a joyous place. Inquire of the Lord before making such decisions. Guilt and any sentiments similar to it are not God inspired.

Seek Wisdom, Find Wealth & Be Blessed

I Want to Be a Nobody

Proverbs 12:9
Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

A few months ago Gerald and I met the Baileys, the couple who owned a home we were considering purchasing. The Baileys were nothing to write home about as my friend, Lauren, from high school would always say. They looked like average people just trying to sell a home like everyone else in this economy.

After a few minutes of walking through the house and talking to them, we realized how much they reminded us of ourselves. They have been partners in their real estate business for 28 years and married for forty! She handled all the paperwork side of the business, but wasn't afraid to get dirty when necessary and he did the "hard labor" as he called it. Yup, we saw Gerald and Patrice in thirty or forty years written all over them!

We stayed for awhile talking about marriage, children, real estate and the like. Suddenly after a few subtle comments, it hit us both that we were in the presence of multi-multi-multi millionaires! Couldn't have guessed it by the holes in his Reeboks or her faded red top, but they were! It was obvious that they don't reveal their personal business to everyone that comes knocking, but they eventually were comfortable enough to tell us about their 40 pieces of free and clear property, "mini" yacht and thriving investments. Who would've known by their appearance that the Baileys were rolling in dough?

That's just it! Appearances really don't mean two cents these days. Actually they never have for that matter. Each day we meet people who can't wait to tell you about what they have, how much it costs, their extravagant lifestyles and blah, blah, blah. They want you to know that they are somebody and you better recognize it! But if we actually got close enough to know them, we'd find that they can't even afford the clothes on their back or the Prada shoes on their feet.

This economy will hopefully teach us that its not about what others perceive us to have, but what we know we have accumulated in the bank! The Baileys could care less about what we thought about their faded shirts and Reeboks because every day they drive home in their paid off car to their mortgage free home on the lake, with their paid off yacht docked in the back! I think this is the life God intended for us all - not the one where we try to keep up with the Joneses, but one where we can live in harmony with the Baileys.

Seek Wisdom, Find Wealth & Be Blessed!