Just One Thing
"But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and extending myself unto those things which are ahead." These words from Paul in Philippians 3:13 are among the most timeless, practical and universally beneficial ever placed together in history. If followed it can be valuable to anyone, from overcoming a destructive relationship or a serious health challenge to being a professional athlete.
What too often keeps us from advancing? Is it not because we think back on how we've done things previously and let that dictate us into inaction and continuing the same path even though it has not been working?
Whether it is something we'd classify as spiritual - like time for prayer, reading God's Word or tithing to the Lord - or something else like paying down debt, exercising or quality time with loved ones... it comes down to two things: 1) forgetting what you've done before 2) extending to what is ahead of you. How does this look for our finances?
Forgetting what is behind
It is in the clutching onto our past that keeps us from getting out of debt. High-cost phone/streaming plans, cable TV, frequent coffee trips, eating out for lunch every day, costly automobiles and overpriced fashions are some - you may know of others you can cut back on to make a difference.
The mentality of charging on credit cards and keeping a balance needs to be forgotten. Consider that if you cannot confine your spending to what you make each month, how will you continue to keep up by paying that additional 14 to 20% interest onto those purchases?
For tithing as an example, you may need to forget the mindset of "I'll tithe when I have enough money"... because you won't have enough money when you're making your choice that way, and instead focus on loving the Lord - who reached out to you and loved you first, and make room for Him first.
Extending to what is ahead
God wisely communicated it in Deuteronomy 14:22 to "set aside the tithe..." If we first set it aside, there is not the possibility of that money going elsewhere. Think about the successful use of payroll deductions for 401K savings... it's simply the same action of setting aside the funds first.
For our discretionary spending to set aside what our true available funds are for that month first - and stop when it is depleted. To plan ahead for small purchases - like using apps for the best pricing from gas to groceries and avoiding vending machines and convenience stores. And to plan ahead for bigger purchases by saving for them and escape paying interest charges.
In the effort of reducing debt, if you dwell upon missing out on some of the "things" you used to spend money on, you will not last long. Looking to what lies ahead includes visualizing your future without balances on credit cards, having that peace without the stress and worry of being over-extended and to have more capacity to give.
Lastly take this encouraging thought with you of how Jesus set the ultimate example in extending to what is ahead. In Hebrews 12:2 it is written He endured the cross "for the joy set before Him". Much of that joy was in knowing the multitudes over the thousands of years to come that would be saved by His sacrifice.
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
