Daily Power #126

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. (Prov. 14:29)

My grandma always said, “If you play now, you’ll pay later.” If you know anyone who grew up during the Great Depression, perhaps a parent or grandparent, then you know that their worldview differs radically from that of the generations following them. Because they grew up lacking what we take for granted, they conserved, they saved, and they planned. They exercised patience on a daily basis.

However, those generations coming after the most resourceful generation in recent history have allowed the pendulum to swing to the other side. Most of my parents’ peers (the boomers), borrowed, charged, and leveraged their way to a “better” lifestyle. Now approaching their seventies, that generation is waking up and their material dream is turning into a financial nightmare. After decades of living for the moment, most are not financially prepared for the later years in their lives.

Delayed gratification keeps our patience in practice. Which helps us be better stewards of all God’s gifts and allows us to be more generous to those in need.

Today consider your finances. Are you exercising patience with your purchases? Or do you get caught up in getting all you want now? What does God want you to do? What change can you make today toward a more patient, responsible financial attitude?

Power Lift

Dear God, give me divine wisdom to go with your patience so that I can be a saver who gives generously instead of a spender who has nothing left to give.