Money Grows on the Tree of Patience

It’s been said that “Money grows on the tree of patience.”

Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that comes through abiding in Christ. It’s not a natural character of our flesh. Just observe toddlers or teenagers for a little while! Patience means we turn away from things of this world to live according to God’s ways. We delay gratification and choose gratitude, contentment, and joy.

Financial patience requires discipline – adopting a mindset of working and waiting, watching, and willing. We don’t make fast or risky financial decisions. Instead, we seek the Lord and “find safety in many counselors.” (Proverbs 11:14) We budget, record our spending, save, and set reasonable restraints. We delight ourselves in the Lord and keep an eternal perspective. We operate as ambassadors for His Kingdom, remembering this is not our real home. We’re just passing through. So, we set priorities, establish a reasonable standard of living, and avoid the love of money. We choose not to covet by being grateful and content with what we have. We ignore what the world says we “need” and avoid taking on unnecessary debt. We live simply so we can give generously, and all of this takes patience. Remember that “Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty.” ((Proverbs 21:5)

Now, if you’re struggling, I don’t want you to panic. Plant your tree of patience! Resolve to pay down debt this year, build your savings, and trust the One through whom you can do all things. He’s the source of our strength.

And if credit card debt is creating impatience, let Christian Credit Counselors help. They’ll create a debt management plan that will really work. For more information, visit online at crown.org/ccc.