LITTLE BY LITTLE
Debbie Nelson
Today’s Scripture: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Proverbs 13:11, ESV
Theme: Financial gains that are accrued slowly, faithfully, and honestly honor God.
MY FIRST JOB
When I was 16, I got my first summer job. I worked in a factory, folding ladies’ handkerchiefs. There was no air conditioning, and you stood on a hard floor in front of a table for your five-hour shift. I had to learn how to pin them and fold them into different patterns and then package them properly for sale in retail stores. I got paid by the dozen, not by the hour. The better I was and the faster I learned, the more money I could make. I don’t know how many times I stuck myself with those pins, but once I started earning my own money, I took pride in my accomplishments. It was good, honest, and yes, hard and sweaty work. I was able to put gas in my car, buy myself some clothes, and even put some aside for savings. It may not have been a glamorous first job, but I came from a good, hardworking, blue-collar family, and that job taught me an awful lot about life. When you work for something, it makes you appreciate it so much more.
WHAT GOD WANTS FROM US
Our Scripture for today warns that wealth gained hastily will dwindle. How many times do you hear about people who have won millions of dollars in a lottery, only to be broke in a few short years, sometimes even sooner? They immediately quit their jobs and think they are set for life. But, if you don’t work for it, it just doesn’t mean the same thing, and you spend the money frivolously. You only think about today and the instant gratification it can give you right now. God wants us to work honestly for our earnings.
The Scripture goes on to say that we should gather (wealth) little by little to increase it. Remember the tortoise and the hare? Slow and steady really does win the race, and that same principle applies here. Pennies add up and interest accrues.
MORE OF MY WORK LIFE
When I was 21, I landed an entry level job at a reputable company. I started in the mail room sorting correspondence. Again, it wasn’t glamorous, but it was honest work. My superiors saw my determination and potential, so offers and promotions started to come my way. When I had been employed there for a year, I was eligible to start contributing to their 401K program. I really didn’t understand much about this, but everyone kept telling me it was a smart decision to make if I wanted to start saving for my future. I decided to just contribute the minimum amount until I could learn more about it. Once I started receiving my statements every quarter, I was very pleased at how the money continued to accumulate, especially with the company match! Every time I received a raise or a promotion, I increased my contributions. By the time I left there ten years later (only because I married my Marine husband), I was contributing 20% of my salary! That little by little concept really worked!
Make It Personal: Want to apply these same principles? Think about the following:
1) Avoid quick schemes. These include gambling, lotteries, and any kind of “get rich scheme” to “earn” your money.
2) Save little by little. Start by putting small amounts of money regularly into a savings plan, instead of waiting for a windfall to come your way. Very few of us have a long-lost relative who is going to leave us a fortune in their wills.
3) Work with integrity. Regardless of the job you have, take pride in your work and remember you are earning your living with an honest, steady effort rather than by dishonest shortcuts.
When we gather wealth through our labor, we increase not only our wealth but also our own well-being. God continues to grow us as we learn to work hard at what pleases and honors Him.
Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for helping me to understand the true reward of good, hard, honest work. Help me take pride in the work I do. Continue to teach me how to handle the money I earn and do the right things with it for my future. Help me avoid schemes that sound too good to be true, so that I can stay true to You and follow Your guidance and direction. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Proverbs 10:2, 20:21, 28:20, 21:6, Ecclesiastes 5:10
Weekly Memory Verse: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1, ESV