Debtless Sample

Get a Head Start:

A doctor friend of mine has a saying that I love: "An ounce of preventative measure is worth a pound of cure." This is obviously true in the medical field. If people drink water, eat healthy, and exercise regularly, they’re a lot less likely to have medical emergencies later on in life. Healthy people still get sick every day, but many emergencies are preventable to begin with. Being disciplined on the front end is a lot more effective than surgery, radiation, or other medical interventions after you've already developed a medical condition. 

This lesson translates to finances as well: start working now, start saving now, budget to avoid debt—each of these are head starts. For some of you, your way ahead is to start thinking about colleges and universities now. For others, God is allowing you to get a head start by starting to earn college credits while you’re in high school. 

The writer in Proverbs teaches us to watch the ant—without a leader or being told what to do, the ant knows to save for the future. We can learn so much about handling money from God’s word! 

The best time to plant a tree may have been 10 years ago, and sure that would have been an amazing head start. The next best time to plant a tree is today. You might be in a spot where you aren't thrilled where you're at financially. The time to get a head start on your future has come! Part of today's reading plan is going to be from Ephesians 5 where Paul challenges us to make the most of every opportunity. With God's help, you can do that by spending time with Him asking for wisdom to know what to do and for the boldness to do what He has called you to! 

Think about when you were a kid-playing hide and seek with your friends on the playground. You would give people a head-start in hiding. The longer the head start, the better potential hiding places. 

College is like that. Life is like that. The longer your head-start, the better the end result, and the less debt you’ll have. So what are you waiting for?  

Prayer:  Lord, you are so good! When it comes to money, would you give me spiritual insight on how to make the most of every opportunity? Please keep me from getting distracted along the way. I want to be a life-long learner!