There’s a financial concept where if you start young, a habit like putting away $100 a month can transform you into a millionaire by the time you retire.
Often many of us don’t apply this same logic to our life when it comes to the Lord directing our steps.
Consider two siblings receiving the same monthly allowance. Sibling 1 diligently invests every month, while sibling 2 says “ehh I’ll invest when I’m older I just wanna have fun right now.” Over time you’ll start to see a gap in their lives.
Sibling 2 might look “richer” because they have more material things, when in reality sibling 1 is actually surpassing them financially with all they’ve saved, plus compound interest multiplying their money. (Compound interest is comparable to blessings you can’t plan for that randomly happen and have larger effects when you’re in a position of privilege and preparation)
Many of us resemble Sibling 2 in our relationship with the Lord. We understand that God's plan is the best, but the allure of immediate pleasure often takes precedence because, “we just wanna have fun now.”
That can look like pursuing a career that God never told you to do, pursuing a relationship God never told you to be in, buying a home God never told you to buy, or just “living for vibes” etc. On the surface, Sibling 2 may appear 'richer' with the job, the money, and the appearance of 'couple goals.' Yet, they might have spent valuable time in the wrong direction. When it's time to fully submit to God and invest in His plan, they find themselves starting from a $0 investment balance at an older age.
Meanwhile sibling 1 applies to people who decided to let the Lord direct their steps at a young age. They might seem “basic” on the surface to society, as their wealth isn't flaunted through material means. But don’t be confused, all of their investment deposits are accumulating. As Sibling 1 matures, they actually surpass Sibling 2 because they're not 'starting over' as they age. Each step in their journey builds upon past decisions made in their younger years. There's no 'regret remorse’ because they know they’re exactly where God is calling them to be. And often their “blessings” are so plentiful that they can actually be a blessing to other people. (Sibling 1 could pour into Sibling 2 and still have plenty)
Key take aways:
- Let the Lord direct your steps, and start today, not tomorrow.
- Remember your treasure is in heaven and though you may not be able to physically see everything you’ve invested in, never forget that it is building.
- Be one of the people who can experience what it’s like to consistently walk with the Lord over their lifetime vs waiting till the last minute.
Bible verses:
”Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.“
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Blessings without regrets / sorrow :
”The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.“
Proverbs 10:22-23 NLT
Wealth you can’t see physically :
”“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.“
Matthew 6:19-21 NLT
”The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.“
Psalms 37:23-26 NLT
”Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.“
Proverbs 3:13-15 NLT