Managing Time and Money WiselySample

The Power of Why

As we manage our resources, we know there are many factors that influence us. Some are inside our control, and others are outside of it. Let’s take a closer look at some of those things so that we have a better chance of making progress.

First, we need to understand that our feelings impact our actions. If we don’t like how we feel about our resources—or even certain elements of managing them like tithing, budgeting, or even planning our calendar—it’s likely that we’ll avoid action.

But instead of running from our resources or pretending like they don’t exist, view those feelings as an indicator that it’s time to lean even more into Jesus. Like Pastor Craig Groeschel says, we can’t correct problems we’re unwilling to confront.

By praying about those feelings and processing them with someone you trust, you’ll be able to identify the why behind the uncomfortable emotions you experience about your time and money.

For example, maybe you’ll discover that you have a scarcity mindset because growing up, you were never sure if there would be enough of what you needed or wanted. Maybe your parents often fought about money, so talking about it feels like it might start an argument, which is why you like to avoid it.

Spending some time to think about what you feel when the topics of money and time come up can illuminate why you approach them the way you do. And when you know why you think about it that way, you’ll be better equipped to get rid of the mindsets that aren’t serving you anymore and embrace the new lessons God might be teaching you along the way.

Secondly, we have to understand that everyone is in different places with the resources God has entrusted them with. And often, that results from factors outside of our control—like what our economic backgrounds look like, what privileges we’ve inherited, and the season of life we’re in.

It’s important to prioritize empathy and healthy conviction instead of shame and comparison when it comes to our resources. Recognizing where we might have advantages or disadvantages from others can be a really healthy part of this process.

So, how can we tell the difference between healthy conviction and shame, especially when they feel so similar?

Start by identifying why you’re feeling what you’re feeling. Healthy conviction is often about something specific that you can change. Shame is often a general feeling that everything you do is wrong, and it makes you feel like you are irreparable.

Right now, it might feel difficult to know how or where to start in gaining control over your resources. So instead of trying to fix it all in a day, choose to make one small shift in your mindset. Consider these questions to help:

• What mindsets about time and money do I have from my childhood? Are those serving me in this season of my life? If not, what’s one way I can reframe my perspective with God’s truth?
• What do I feel when money and time come up in conversation? How can my feelings inform what changes I need to make?
• Do I have a mindset of scarcity or abundance? What’s one way I could grow my trust in God as my Provider?

Pray: God, I feel ______ about my resources. Please walk with me as I process these feelings. And then, give me a healthy conviction to make a change. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Identify your feelings toward your resources. What are some reasons you’re having those feelings?