by David Bragonier
(Though written as we entered the year 2,000, the principles and applications are still 100% applicable today. Simply replace “New Millennium” with “Era” or today’s date.)
What aspirations and goals do you have for the new millennium? Are they any different from prior years? For many, I would guess not. We're simply recommitting to do a better job on following through with prior goals.
As an exhorter, I'm continually compelled to encourage people to mature spiritually, ask themselves life's hard questions and take steps of action toward accomplishing goals. The new millennium provides a wonderful opportunity for each of us to address some key issues and questions. God's opened the door for a whole new century of opportunities and possibilities!
New Millennium Changes
Beside the major change in getting accustomed to writing the date as 2000 or 1/1/00, we should expect huge changes and advances in technology, communication, travel and lifestyle issues. However, we can be assured that God and His Word won't change by the smallest letter or stroke (Matthew 5:18 and 24:35). "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever." (Heb. 13:8)
These massive changes in our world will not change the way we come into an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, or the way we are reconciled one to another (i.e. love God and then your neighbor). However, they could provide us with improved ways to understand His Word or memorize scripture more effectively.
We need to use these new tools to our advantage, but more importantly, we first need to ask ourselves some "heart-felt" questions. What keeps us from seeking God more earnestly today? What sins and iniquities do we need to confess, repent from and count as crucified with Christ? Who do we need to be reconciled with before it is too late (because of hardness of heart, death or Christ's return)?
New Millennium Long-term Goals
God has opened the door to a new millennium. Christ may not return for another 2,000 years, or more! I'm not the long-term goal guru, but I can probably guide us all in a profitable direction.
Do our goals, thoughts and energy center around Christ, spouse, family and friends; or around career, recreation and self? Not that the later are not important, but which ones have eternal value and multi-generational benefit?
What would you like to accomplish in the next 5, 10 and 25 years? What do you want people to remember about you? I heard a friend say, "If your long-term goals can be accomplished in your lifetime, they're too small!"
What is God, His Word and His call on your life guiding you to focus upon and accomplish for His glory? What long-term written goals do you need to set and start fulfilling? What roadblocks are in the way and how can they be removed or overcome?
New Millennium Short-term Financial Goals (Budgeting)
As the world spins faster, so does the need to be financially wise and disciplined. The large majority of Americans (especially Christians) cannot afford to live undisciplined financial lives. Those who have been blessed with financial riches have a tremendous responsibility to be found faithful, or risk losing such wealth at the next change of the tide.
The new millennium gives everyone the opportunity to start off fresh and prepare a written, workable cash management plan. For some budget preparation steps, see our "Recipe For Financial Freedom" article contained in this newsletter. You can also attend one of our budgeting workshops or purchase some form of financial planning workbook.
New Millennium Debt
God's Word clearly indicates that we should strive to eliminate all debt, except for the debt of love (Romans 13:8). If we have accumulated creditors in the 20th century, let's make it a high priority to pay them off early in the new millennium.
For most people this is accomplished one step at a time. First, we start by living within our means, thereby eliminating the need for new credit purchases. Then we practice restraint and stop charging recreational and non-essential purchases. During the process we start paying off the credit balances we have, one creditor at a time.
In our seminars we demonstrate a method where you accelerate the payments on the smallest balanced creditor first. Then you continue to work your way up your list to the next smallest balance. However, keep in mind the benefits of eliminating higher interest rate balances in the above process.
May each of use strive to be debt free in the new millennium as quickly as possible, and may we live out the balance of our lives indebted to loving one another!
New Millennium Giving
The thoughts of what can be accomplished through gracious and generous giving is so exciting! Christians have incredible opportunities to express Christ's love to the world through our checkbooks and God-given resources. We stand on the verge of delivering the gospel of salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ, to every nation and peoples on the face of the earth.
Go read II Corinthians 8 and 9 again. You'll quickly be reminded of the grace God gives us for carrying out the blessed and fun responsibility of giving and sharing, even when the ability doesn't appear possible. If we as Christians fail to care for other people's legitimate needs and help support those God calls and confirms to vocational ministry work, 1 John 3:17 reveals a very probing question, "Whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?"
Lets' demonstrate the love of God and be gracious, cheerful and generous givers in the new millennium. If we currently find ourselves on the receiving end, then start implementing the steps mentioned in this newsletter and at our financial seminars. Someday, you'll probably discover God has moved you to the giving side of the equation.
New Millennium Vision and Passion
Paul tells us in I Corinthians 9:24 that everyone who runs the race should run to win the prize! Again, Paul encourages us in II Timothy 1:7 with the fact "that God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline."
We need to be bold in the new millennium for the cause of Christ. God can use you to change a life, family or nation. You may be the one God uses to direct your neighbor or a whole nation back toward Him. You may be the Martin Luther, Florence Nightengale, Fannie Crosby, Abraham Lincoln or Billy Graham of the new millennium.
God has opened the door to a whole new millennium of opportunities. By His power and grace, let's be found to be bold, disciplined and faithful stewards of His Word, time, money and resources!