How much does one need?

How much does one need ? This has been a question asked since the beginning of mankind. We can categorize our possessions within the 3 T's - "Time, Treasure, Talent". Using our talent to work within our time, we gather treasure. We use our treasure to acquire goods, that we need to satisfy our hunger, shelter and clothing. So after a certain amount of time if we have surplus treasure, depending on our financial skills, it can be used to generate more. This is good. We need to be prudent in our financial plans. Some of us may not acknowledge that money is a major factor in our well being, relationships, quality of life. But it is indeed a force. So much so that Jesus during His ministry on earth talked about money quite a deal. Either we use money or allow it to abuse us!

For instance how is your cash flow? It would be a positive cash flow if you are using it in a right manner, if not it is negative. Having a good positive cash flow for companies is a sign of strength, and it is true for our personal budgets. So let me come to my point, if you want to be free from the clutches of money, you need to be on top of everything involving money.

For example you may have been touched by the Haiti earthquake, and would like to donate some money. How much would you like to and how much can you actually donate? This depends on your cash flow situation. If you are someone who is organized with a spreadsheet that tells you how much you earn, and how much you spend, it is possible to see it right away. Or else you don't have a clue.

Going back to the 3 T's, you can donate your time, talent or treasure to the Haiti Relief effort, or some charity that you are passionate about. If you are the average person in US, your biggest investment may be your home. You can open up your home to have, say a Bible study or host a meeting to come up with ideas to help with the relief effort. In the Bible, God asks you and me to give to the needy, His temple. If we take the view that everything that we have comes from God, and that we are only managers of the possessions, we can do a better job in managing our resources to the maximum effect. The "effect" depends on your stand on charity or ambition. But the stewardship view provides you peace of mind and joy, try it.

Lion Chasers Manifesto

Love this manifesto from Mark Batterson's book “In a Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day”

Lion Chasers Manifesto:

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Criticize by creating. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

Chase the lion.