If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: Business is all about relationships. The old saying is true, but it’s repeated so often, you might be tempted to dismiss it as a cliché. I’m here to tell you that cliché or not, this is the most important piece of advice you’ll hear throughout your career.
I’m also here to give you another critical piece of advice, which is that fulfilling careers are built on genuine relationships. Everyone knows the person who shows up to every networking event, collecting business cards and touting their own successes. No one likes that guy. People do business with those they trust and with whom they’ve forged sincere connections.
When I was in high school, my dad told me, “It’s not what you know but who you know.” I realized the wisdom of my father’s words as I watched whiz kid former classmates struggle in the professional world. If you can’t relate to other people, it doesn’t really matter how bright or talented you are. But if you don’t make genuine connections, who you know doesn’t matter much either.
Social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn lay our networks bare for everyone to see. At least, it seems that way on the surface. You scroll through your contact list and assume that the guy with 1,500 connections must be the ultimate relationship networking success story.
In reality, social media connections tell us very little about people’s relationships. It costs nothing to accept someone’s friend request on Facebook or connection request on LinkedIn. But how many of those people do you really know? How many could — or would — sincerely vouch for the quality of your work and character?
The size of your social network doesn’t matter. What matters is whether you’re able to leverage your connections into references, mentorships, and lasting professional relationships. You get to that point by thinking not about how you can benefit from other people’s status and experience, but how they can benefit from knowing you. The more you’re willing to give of your time and expertise, the more visible and respected you’ll become, and your reputation will attract high-quality connections into your circle.
There’s a proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is now.” The saying applies to relationship building as well. It’s never too early to grow an authentic network.
If you’re in high school or college, there’s no better time to cultivate the habit of providing value. We live in a “me-first” society in which people always want to know what’s in it for them. When you flip the narrative and ask instead, “What can I give?”, people notice. Who would you rather work — the person who is blatantly self-interested or the one who gives freely of their time to others?
Providing value doesn’t always mean performing grand gestures. I look for little ways to help people throughout the day. They don’t take much time, but they show the other person that I’m thinking of them and that I’m happy to help them even when they’re not directly providing value to me. For instance, if someone mentions they need to hire a new consultant, I’ll try to refer that business deal to a trusted acquaintance. Maybe I’ve read or overheard a useful piece of information, and I pass that on to someone who could use it.
Some people maintain clear lines between their business and personal relationships. I don’t. Relationships are relationships. I treat people with the same level of respect and attention whether we’re in a boardroom doing business or catching up over a round of golf. When you approach relationships in this way, you experience richer and more satisfying bonds in all areas of your life.
The importance of being genuine becomes even more apparent when we ask ourselves whether we’re working in God’s economy or man’s economy. When we get caught up in the rat race, only thinking about our own gains, we’re entrenched in man’s economy. It’s no surprise when we wake up to find ourselves surrounded by people we barely know and wonder why we don’t have satisfying careers or more fulfilling relationships. Matthew 7:12 says, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
God doesn’t reward the pursuit of wealth. His economy is all about giving and serving. Jesus built His ministry around service, and we should do the same with our careers. We are called to walk in His footsteps, so when we become too focused on our own needs and ambitions, we stumble.
Desiring a successful and lucrative career is a worthy goal, and God doesn’t fault us for wanting to provide a good life for our families. But our success doesn’t have to come at the expense of others or the sacrifice of our faith. Whether you look at it from a faith perspective or a business standpoint, cultivating genuine relationships makes good sense.
I’ve read business books that say, “Never eat lunch alone.” Friends of mine even live by an extreme version of that concept. They like to book every single breakfast, lunch, and coffee break with a networking opportunity.
That approach doesn’t work for me. It seems too contrived. If I meet someone with whom I share a connection, I’m happy to invite them to lunch or coffee to get to know them better and see how we might work together. But trying to build 20 new relationships over 45-minute lunch chats seems like a fool’s errand and a sure path to shallow connections. Instead, I prefer to be spontaneous and pursue relationships based on mutual benefit and interest.
The spontaneous mentality enables me to be a connector. Since I don’t cram my schedule with networking meetings, I can really listen to the people with whom I do meet. Then I have the mental space to recognize opportunities for connections. I ask good questions and listen to the answers, which allows me to say, “Oh, a friend of mine is passionate about this area, too. I’ll put you in touch,” or “I know someone who would be a great addition to this project, so I’ll bring them to lunch with us next time.”
I also maintain curiosity in all of my interactions. Because I only pursue relationships where there’s a genuine connection, I’m constantly trying to learn more. This practice leads to interesting, productive conversations and far more fruitful business relationships than a more shallow networking tactic would.
When you develop genuine relationships, you become more valuable to your network. You also experience increased career satisfaction. A string of surface-level contacts won’t make for a thriving career. If you want to hone your relationship-building skills, forget numbers and simply be curious, be helpful, and be sincere.
Happy New Year!
I hope that as you are looking out over the next 365 days, your heart is full of faithful anticipation for wonderful things to come. During this time each year, I’m reminded of the goodness of our God – to give us seasons, patterns, and cycles to renew our mind, bodies, and spirits.
The natural progression of the seasons – the leaves changing colors, falling, budding, and regrowing – signals us to progress and change as well. The timed patterns we observe in nature are intrinsically woven into our human nature as well. A brilliant design, evidence of a brilliant Creator. Seasons. Old becoming new. Work giving way to rest. Renew. Repeat.
So as we enter 2018, let’s take hold of the natural progression and motivation of a New Year and commit to become better stewards of all the Lord has entrusted to us. Let us tune our hearts, minds, and finances to the gentle prompts of our Heavenly Father. Pay attention to see how He uses your faithfulness for His purposes.
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
I don’t know what all happened in your 2017, but now is the time to renew your mind for 2018. There may be hurts, offenses, and strongholds you need to let go of. There may be people you need to forgive, and others you need to ask forgiveness.
Sin forms as an impure thought, an idea, a lingering stare, an unchecked agenda. That impure thought gives way to a temptation, which gives way to a desire to sin, followed by the sinful action itself, and ending with an acceptance of the evil committed. Sin’s progression can be instantaneous – like a small child lying when caught doing something wrong – or can take months, even years to take form. But it will surface.
Stewardship doesn’t just apply to your money, body, or recycling habits. We are charged to steward our thoughts as well. When you neglect to renew your mind, you are vulnerable to Satan’s lies and temptations.
Genesis 4:7 – “But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
When sin is trying to take hold of you, you must first recognize it (the impure thought, the temptation, the desire to sin), and immediately take that thought captive. Forgive, don’t take offense, reject a prideful spirit. Turn to Scripture and renew your mind with truth.
The renewal of your mind leads to discernment. And discernment is an essential ingredient to becoming a steward. Make it a regular practice this year.
First Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
If you went to the gym this morning, you may have experienced an overwhelming number of people starting their New Year’s resolutions. It is, in fact, January 2, so you can say goodbye to your favorite elliptical for the next 3 months.
Though the majority of Americans make resolutions to have healthier lifestyles, and the majority of them don’t make it the whole year, taking care of your body is an important part of every stewards’ life.
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many nations over the course of my career, and have seen some of the most exquisite architecture, paintings, and sculptures in existence. I often imagine how precious a single painting is to the painter who created it. The time, effort, and creative energy that went into creating it is astounding. Now just imagine if I was walking through one of these museums with the actual artist whose work is on display. We walk up to the artist’s most prized painting, and stand together, admiring the detailed intricacies of it. Then suddenly, I throw neon paint all over the canvas. I break the frame that’s holding it, smear dirt and dust across the surface, and show a complete disrespect for the art and artist.
It may be a silly analogy, but that’s essentially what we do when we don’t take care of our bodies. Gluttony, laziness, overworking, and neglect of our physical form is an insult to the Creator who designed each of us with unique purpose and intent.
Commit to eat right, exercise, sleep, and practice healthy habits this year.
Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
In addition to wanting to adopt healthier lifestyles, a majority of Americans have resolved to improve their finances as well. This resolution is one I am deeply passionate about, because God had to completely transform my finances and life years ago. I was so focused on becoming a success in the eyes of the world that I missed God’s intent for me to become His faithful steward, or manager.
I try to remember it this way: stewardship is not ordering your finances in such a way that you can spend whatever you want. It’s ordering your life in such a way that God can spend you however He wants.
My wife and I have had to work through this principle together, and she’s been a huge help to me. We’ve had to agree on our money philosophy together. We have adopted God’s financial principles as our guide as the basis for our decisions.
Since it all belongs to God, just like the game Monopoly, at the end of our lives, it all goes back in the box. We don’t take our houses, cars, or possessions with us to Heaven. So we don’t get caught up in what we have here on Earth.
Focus on aligning your priorities with God’s priorities for your finances this year. Wherever you are starting, commit to be faithful. Crown has many practical resources to help you get out of debt, save, plan, and budget. And if you want to dive deeper into what God says about every area of your finances, I want you to enroll in Crown’s online MoneyLife Personal Finance Course. It’s an in-depth 7-week class that will help you align your heart, finances, and mind with Scripture.
In Galatians 5, we read about the 9 Fruits of the Spirit:
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
These 9 virtues are characteristics of the Holy Spirit living in us and can be viewed as guidelines, standards of how Christians should live their lives. Someone should be able to distinguish a follower of Christ from the rest of the world because these 9 virtues should be apparent in their daily life.
The infiltration of the Holy Spirit in our lives is not confined to our Sunday morning behavior, or the number of Bible studies we’ve participated in. It changes everything in our lives – including our finances.
Since the 9 Fruits of the Spirit should be apparent in every aspect of a Christian’s life, here are some practical ways that each can play out in your financial habits. Yesterday, we looked at the first 4 (love, joy, peace, and patience). Today, we will look at the last 5.
Kindness looks to the needs of others and is generous in word and deed. God created humanity to respond to kindness. A gentle tongue and touch is how we demonstrate the love of God to those we love in a lost and hurting world.
Kindness is contagious. I know people who exude kindness in the way they talk and in how they treat others. They naturally bless others by their very presence – and inspire me to live likewise!
We live out kindness by abiding in Christ. We live with margin so we can freely give when needs arise. As the hands and feet of Christ, we obediently love our neighbor as ourselves when we open the door for kindness to flow. We lovingly give of our time, talents, and money.
Allow the kindness of God to flow through you and you will be blessed!
Proverbs 21:21 – “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
Larry Burkett said, “My greatest fear in life is standing before the Lord and hearing Him say, ‘I had so much more for you, but you held on too tightly.’” Goodness, a fruit of the spirit, is one way we can loosen our grip.
It’s easy to get trapped by the lure of materialism preventing us from serving one another in love. Humility is our defense.
A spirit of humility prompts us to look to the needs of others and the cause of Christ before spending on ourselves. Focus on making God’s priorities your priorities, and surrender your wallet to the Lord.
A wise steward, one who is good with money, has to plan. Begin this new year by recording every dollar you spend so you can establish a workable budget. Start paying down your debt and set saving goals. Adjust your lifestyle if you are living beyond your means and work as unto the Lord. Before long, you’ll be blessing others because of your financial goodness.
Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
The world says success means more money, more fame or more power. But in God’s Kingdom, success is found in faithfulness. Our joy is made complete when we focus on being faithful stewards, not on titles, status, income, houses or cars.
We must honor the priorities of our Provider. He wants stewards to use the money He’s entrusted to us to advance his kingdom.
Stewards manage what’s in their care – as Solomon advised, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever… (Proverbs 27:23-24a)
We have a few years on earth to demonstrate responsibility with what God has given us.
Stewards are to work hard, give generously, provide for their families, and humbly obey the Lord. When the unexpected happens, we can look to the Lord knowing He is in control and this is in His hands.
1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
Gentleness is a willingness to yield to another and to work in humility. It’s the attitude of wanting to help others instead of ruling over them. It flows from a spirit of love and genuine concern demonstrated in word and deed.
Bearing the fruit of gentleness will bless your family, enable you to become a Godly leader and positively affect your financial well-being. And it starts with giving.
Paul urges us to walk, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Exercising self-control is more than just saying no to an expensive purchase or practicing portion control. Self-control, or discipline, is what God gives us in the face of fear, adversity, and challenges. The Holy Spirit empowers us to make the right decision and say no to what is tempting us.
Stewards should exercise self-control in all areas of their lives. A budget is a great place to start.
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
If you want to learn more about what the Bible says about your finances and how to live everyday as a steward, enroll in Crown’s online MoneyLife Personal Finance Study. It’s an in-depth, 7-week course that covers the biblical principles behind every aspect of your finances. It’s the perfect way to start the New Year right!
In Galatians 5, we read about the 9 Fruits of the Spirit:
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
These 9 virtues are characteristics of the Holy Spirit living in us and can be viewed as guidelines, standards of how Christians should live their lives. Someone should be able to distinguish a follower of Christ from the rest of the world because these 9 virtues should be apparent in their daily life.
The infiltration of the Holy Spirit in our lives is not confined to our Sunday morning behavior, or the number of Bible studies we’ve participated in. It changes everything in our lives – including our finances.
Since the 9 Fruits of the Spirit should be apparent in every aspect of a Christian’s life, here are some practical ways that each can play out in your financial habits. Today, we will look at the first 4.
Though this Fruit of the Spirit applies to all relationships, I want to focus on talking about money and marriage.
Money is often cited as the greatest area of frustration, fighting, stress, and unhappiness in marriage. One spouse wants to budget, the other doesn’t. Neither spouse can agree on exactly how to spend their money or what to prioritize, so budgeting just leads to more arguments.
A couple can have a great financial plan and solid budget but still be worlds apart in their heart and mind. External solutions do not address the internal problems that cause strife.
But when couples unite under the headship of Christ, their love should preside over money. Treating one another with love when it comes to money requires calm communication, open discussions, humility and forgiveness.
John 15:12 – “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
One of the greatest threats to our walk with God is the trap of materialism. At first glance, the scriptural warnings about riches and their dangers might suggest that we should avoid all luxuries. But that’s simply not true. God does not prohibit us from enjoying the benefits of this world; after all, they are His.
What Scripture warns us against is the empty pursuit of “happiness” in the form of material possessions, wordly successes, and pointless gains.
Things of this world may bring you happiness, but only God can bring you lasting joy. If you want to have joy in your finances, you need to know and follow biblical financial principles.
You find joy when you praise God, thanking him for everything – even the trials and sorrow. This guards against self-righteousness, self-pity, pride, and joylessness. It helps you see your situation through God’s eyes and rest in His loving arms.
Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the Lord is your strength!”
I don’t think many people are able to describe their financial situation as “peaceful”. It seems as though there is a constant stream of stress and worry when it comes to money, and the pursuit of financial peace is a difficult one.
To live with peace in your finances, don’t:
Instead,
Trusting God, we can say “No” to the demands of the world and seek ways to grow in faith, reduce distractions, and serve others. Start your days with praise and thanksgiving to the God of perfect love. He will fill your heart with peace that passes all understanding.
Isaiah 9:6 – “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Patience is not a natural character of our flesh. In fact, we are naturally impatient. Just observe toddlers or teenagers for a little while!
But, God is patient and wants us to bear that fruit through His Spirit.
It means we turn away from the things of this world and seek to live according to His ways. We delay gratification and choose gratitude, contentment and joy. We wait patiently on the Lord.
Financial patience requires discipline. It’s a matter of adopting a mindset of working and waiting, watching, and willing. Patience and budgeting go hand-in-hand.
So, we must establish a reasonable standard of living that allows us to live in obedience to God.
We establish priorities, free from the love of money, and live simply so we can give generously.
Proverbs 21: 5 – “Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty.”
If you want to learn more about what the Bible says about your finances and how to live everyday as a steward, enroll in Crown’s online MoneyLife Personal Finance Study. It’s an in-depth, 7-week course that covers the biblical principles behind every aspect of your finances. It’s the perfect way to start the New Year right!
Christmas is over, the presents have been unwrapped (and maybe exchanged), and the leftovers are being polished off as we all prepare for life to kick back into high gear come January 1.
The pre-Christmas shopping frenzies have ended, but the Christmas shopping is far from over – because now the post-Christmas shopping commences!
Hundreds of stores have major post-Christmas sales to clear out their leftover Christmas inventory, marking down festive decor, wrapping paper, and apparel.
So when it comes to this post-Christmas shopping, what’s your approach?
It’s tempting to take advantage of these sales, and stock up on winter items for next year’s Christmas season, but keep in mind that overspending is overspending, regardless of the discount you get.
Anything and everything you purchase during a post-Christmas sale should still be part of your budget, and not strain your finances. If you have credit card debt from Christmas, DO NOT allow yourself to be tempted by the steep discounts offered after December 25. (You may also want to get in touch with Christian Credit Counselors. They can help you get out of overwhelming credit card debt, and will negotiate with your creditors on your behalf.)
There is also something to be said of the ongoing tension between spending the time shopping for sales vs. paying full price for an item to save yourself the time and energy.
There is an ongoing joke in the Crown office on this issue. Some of the staff don’t want to spend time looking for coupons and tracking sales in an attempt to find the best deal. The other portion enjoy the process, however, finding some sort of satisfaction in finding the best deal, kind of like winning a competition.
When there are so many stores offering good discounts like they are this week, it’s easier to find good deals on everything. If you’re planning on shopping, ensure that you and your spouse are on the same page about how much you’re spending, and on what. A Christmas ornament sale is not worth disunity between you and your spouse.
Keep your purchases and belongings simple. It helps you save time and money, but more importantly it helps you to keep your focus on the only One who truly matters. Remember that earth is not our final destination, and you don’t get to take your house, your ornaments, or your wardrobe with you to Heaven.
Reject a spirit of comparison and seek contentment with what you have.
Pray for wisdom to know how to spend your money wisely and effectively for the Kingdom. Living simply provides more margin in your life to give generously and be used as God desires. Whatever your plans are for post-Christmas sales, remember to be a steward first and foremost. Ask yourself if you really need the items you’re shopping for, or if you’re buying just to buy. Look for ways to do good with your money this week, and keep Hebrews 12:1-2 close to your heart: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
What’s your dream job?
Finding a satisfying career (that also pays well!) is challenging. There are so many choices today! Books, articles, counselors and podcasts are informative, but there’s one aspect in career planning that tends to be ignored.
When making a career choice you must consider how a specific job will fit. We each have a unique design that includes individual gifts, talents, and purpose. Our greatest satisfaction and success is found when putting these to use. Knowing how God has wired you will help you find a much better job fit and avoid unnecessary career changes in the future.
There are many websites that offer the latest statistics on job trends. LinkedIn’s list gives data for the most promising jobs of 2017 based on the potential for career advancement, job growth, and salary. The list is primarily composed of jobs in finance, technology and healthcare, but fails to give the personality traits that match the job.
Here are some trending jobs matched with key personality traits.
A nurse practitioner is an advanced registered nurse that provides health maintenance through diagnosis and patient focus. This career has been consistently growing, and is expected to continue.
This entire job focuses on the care of others, so it is extremely important to be compassionate and have a desire to help people. It’s detail-oriented, so one needs to be very organized. Not everyone has these characteristics, but if you do, it could be a great fit.
The field of therapy in general has grown steadily, but physical therapy specifically has seen rapid growth in recent years. Another career in the medical field which centers on the care and help of others, this role demands support and patience. It is about encouraging others to put forth effort into their own healing, and requires understanding and encouragement.
A personal advisor assesses the financial needs of clients and creates a plan that leads them in wise decision making. Daily tasks of this job require one-on-one interaction and planning for these individuals. People that are social, organized, and analytical could excel in this career. Working with numbers is essential, so if math was your least favorite subject in school, keep looking!
Data engineering is one of the newest and fastest growing careers. These engineers create and maintain databases in which they extract and analyze large amounts of data. This field requires workers who are analytical, objective, and independent. Many perceive that being distant or introverted is a weakness, but, in this job, it is an asset. This career demands a lot of independent working and objectivity is crucial to avoid any bias in data output.
Customer success managers develop customer relationships to promote retention and customer satisfaction. This job requires a people person with strong social skills. The extroverted, ambitious person could find fulfillment in this role. Those who are more reserved might not be as comfortable. Patience and tolerance are necessary, because they deal with all sorts of people.
A school psychologist is someone who counsels students on their ability to learn as well as listening to their needs and supporting their overall success. This job is all about being supportive and caring about what each student is saying. People high in compassion with strong listening skills may find this role a fit.
Software developers handle the design and maintenance of software systems in computer programs. This career has been around awhile but still continues to grow. It requires people who enjoy technology and computation.
The person who can deal with change and develop new, up-to-date software will enjoy technology which is constantly changing. Someone who’s adaptable, precise, and enjoys working independently could find satisfaction in this field.
Everyone is unique. Your satisfaction in your career will only be maximized when you know what you are uniquely designed to do and then match that with a career that needs your skills, talents and personality. We are also required to faithfully steward the gifts and talents that the Lord has given us. “Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
Understanding your personality, interests, values, and skills so that you can confidently see how your career choice aligns with your design is important. Crown’s Career Direct assessment is an investment in your personal growth that will allow you to rejoice like David when he said, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14a ESV), and then find the job that matches your personality. It’s a huge part in a successful career that will ultimately bring glory to your Designer and satisfaction with your career.
First impressions are always important, but they’re especially critical at your new job. The following are simple, but impactful, ways to make a strong first impression. There’s no order to the tips, but each will help you focus day-by-day.
My pastor, Ronnie Batchelor, describes this as the time of year when “…we all experience the familiar unnerving sense that we’re approaching the brink – something akin to the clack-clack-clack-clack ascent of the rollercoaster when couples instinctively grasp each other’s hands and exchange nervous looks that communicate, ‘Here we go!’ We just hang on and hold our collective breath because we’re in for quite a ride!
The next season will almost certainly be a jostling, frenzied blur of parties and baking and travel and pumpkin spice…and obscene amounts of food until (as the last strains of Auld Lang Syne fade), we all coast back into the station and exhale – sometime about mid-January.”
So, we all need to consider…how do we, in fact, experience peace during the upcoming Christmas season? Can we find peace in being still, relishing the precious moments of the season, in quiet anticipation of each day? Yes, we can.
Christmas is a time to pause, ponder, and praise the gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rather than succumbing to the unwanted burden of financial and social obligations, we must intentionally seek stillness to hear the voice of God and find strength to sacrificially serve and share His love with others. Much of our loss of peace comes with the financial pressures we feel when the emphasis of the season is on buying gifts.
Overspending is the opposite of how Christians should celebrate. It creates stress and robs us of the ability to save and give generously to our churches and those in need. Likewise, time, must be stewarded as carefully as money. The older I get, the faster it seems to fly. Don’t squander it on worthless endeavors – but seek ways to grow in faith, reduce distractions, and serve others.
This requires intentional planning. Just as Jesus had to get away from the crowds, so must we, to renew the heart, mind, and body.
He tells us to come to Him when weary and heavy laden, and He will give us rest. (Matthew 11:28)
We’re to cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)
He, who silenced the storm and hushed the sea is more than capable of calming our anxious hearts.
We can be still, and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10)
For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things. (Psalm 107:9)
With complete dependence upon our mighty God, we can say “No” to the demands of the world and joyfully celebrate the birth of Him who fills us with His peace. Let’s honor Christ this Christmas season with sincere and humble hearts and experience the peace that He gives.
Here are some practical ways to make the most of this Christmas season.
Pick the music that brings your focus back to Christ and His peace. My wife finds peace and joy in the words from the Sovereign Grace song, He Who is Mighty: “Now my soul magnifies the Lord, I rejoice in the God Who saves, I will trust His unfailing love, I will sing His praises all my days.”
I hope these tips help you escape the madness of the season and truly enjoy your celebration this Christmas. And if you’re looking for a practical tool to help you stay focused on Christ this Christmas and in the year ahead, I’d encourage you to enroll in Crown’s online MoneyLife Personal Finance Study. The 7 week course is focused on being faithful stewards of all we have, no matter how much or how little. You can learn more here!
When you’re meeting a new person or group of people, what are some of the most common initial questions you ask?
“What do you do?”
“Where do you live?”
Translated, these questions really mean: Do you have a job? How good is your job? How much does it pay? How high up are you in your company? What neighborhood do you live in? City or suburbs? How nice is your house or apartment?
Yes, of course we ask these questions to genuinely get to know someone. But underneath all the small talk, many use this opportunity to size up someone’s success. We look first at their material accumulation and professional standing to determine their level of success.
The world would define success as more, bigger, better. On this earth, success equates to accomplishing goals, enjoying the fruits of your accomplishments, and accrediting it all to your own hard work.
The world would tell you that the accumulation of nice, expensive, or rare items is a sign of your success. That becoming a workaholic isn’t actually a bad thing because it means you are likely very important to your company.
This mentality seems to have infested every corner of our nation, leading to rising debt, crippling anxiety, and broken families. We fear the future and stress over income and retirement plans and don’t rest in God’s promises or apply His principles. We compare our “success” to that of others and rob one another of joy.
We encumbered ourselves by following worldly advice that stresses bigger, more, and better. We borrow more than we can afford and miss opportunities to give.
A dependency on money creeps into our lives and before we know it our lifestyle is controlled by it. The Federal Reserve reports that the average American household carries $137,063 in debt. But, the Census Bureau reports that the median household income was around $59,000 last year. Our cumulative debt problem indicates where the trap has been set for millions of Americans.
Scripture tells us that we should measure success with a different standard and not by the selfish pursuit of more, more, more.
James 3:16: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”
Oswald Chambers said, “Our spiritual life cannot be measured by success as the world measures it, but only by what God pours through us – and we cannot measure that at all.”
Many assume success means money, power, and position. But, God measures it by faithfulness.
The Bible tells us to “… lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
God is looking for followers who are doers of the Word – those who are faithful with what He provides – regardless of how much or how little. This is a matter of surrender, accepting God’s lordship over every area of your life – including your finances..
To be successful in God’s eyes means being willing to relinquish your rights and accept His plan for your life. That is where true joy is found – not in things of this world.
To be a financial success from God’s perspective, follow these three guidelines:
Larry Burkett said “Most Christians are more than content to live out their lives surrounded by the trappings of our world, rather than to risk losing them in becoming a radical Christian…one who will put God first in all decisions, even when putting God first is costly.”
True freedom is found in faithfulness. If you want to learn more about what that looks like in your daily life, enroll in Crown’s online MoneyLife Personal Finance Study. In 7 weeks, you’ll learn what God’s Word says about every area of your finances, and how to put it into practice.
Meal prepping can be a great way to live as a faithful steward! Many of the principles, like discipline and planning, involved in meal prepping are biblical. Using your time wisely (Ephesians 5:16) to save money is demonstrating faithful stewardship. And being a biblical steward is all about managing our resources (namely our time, talents, and treasure) to be most effective for the Kingdom.
So here are a few ways to get started. Don’t be intimidated by all the chopping; be diligent to honor God with your time and money!
Buy in bulk. For many people, buying groceries in bulk will save them money and make sense for the meals they’re making. This probably will require a membership to a wholesale club like Costco or Sam’s Club, so be sure to weigh the costs of the membership with the costs saved.
Get the best value on sales. Stock up on meat or other groceries when it’s on sale and freeze it to use over the next weeks or months. Just be sure that you buy extra because you’ll use it, not just to take advantage of the sale.
Eat out less. The average American spends over $3,000 on eating out every year. When you plan and prep your meals ahead of time, you don’t have to spend unnecessary money on overpriced entrees at restaurants.
Cost vs time. Meal prepping does require an investment of time at the beginning of the week when you do your grocery shopping and prepping, but it saves you a lot of time for the rest of the week.
Pick a shop day and a prep day. They can be the same day or different days of the week, just make sure you have plenty of time.
Go to more than one store. In order to get the best deals and sales, you’ll probably have to go to more than one grocery store.
Take your time. When you’re rushed to shop, you may forget key ingredients or buy things you don’t need. When you’re rushed to prep, you don’t prep as much as you should or could get completely thrown off if one thing goes wrong. Carve out plenty of time to shop and prep properly.
Invest in good containers. Resealable containers are going to be your best friend. Look for good sales and rebates on containers that you can throw in the dishwasher and use over and over.
Have a visual. A magnetic calendar or board for your fridge is a non-essential that may be helpful. You can write all your meals for the week on it or use it as a list to keep track of groceries/staples you run out of.
Have a “mustgo” dinner. At the end of the week, make a meal out of any leftovers or remaining ingredients that “must go”. This is your opportunity to get creative!
First, prepare for the prep. You need to take some time to look at your calendar and plan what meals you’ll need and when you’ll have time to prep. Go over the family calendar and circle the days you’ll be busiest. Having those meals prepped will take priority.
Next, plan your meals. Try to pick meals that allow you to reuse ingredients, and brainstorm ways to simplify recipes to save on costs.
Make your grocery list. Go through every recipe twice and make sure you have included every ingredient on your grocery list. Double check the pantry and fridge to make sure you don’t already have an ingredient. Also include a few backup, staple ingredients to always have on hand.
Look for coupons. Check any coupon or rebate apps before you go shopping. Load them on your phone or print them off before you get to the store.
Do your shopping. Never go shopping without your list, and make sure you don’t shop on an empty stomach.
Stick to your list. Don’t get distracted at the store with samples or sales that are not on your list.
Work your plan. Stay on schedule as much as possible – it may require saying “no” to things throughout the week, and you may need to restructure your time to make prepping possible.
Staying on track and working your plan is a key to both meal prepping and faithful stewardship. The two go hand in hand! If you need a visual guide to getting your finances in order, download the free Money Map.
What are your meal prepping tips? Share with us!
