The Fear of Financial Failure

The People's Almanac Book of Lists rates the fears of people from one through fourteen. Number three is fear of financial problems.

We wonder how much illness in the corporate community could be tracked to this fear, camouflaged by a supercilious veneer notwithstanding.

Here are the Ten Commandments for Financial Freedom (and surviving crises) developed by Dr. John Haggai of America. He says that they're based on Biblical precepts, he has tested and proved them in good times and bad, in bull markets and bear markets, and found them absolutely reliable. Here they are:

1.Recognize God as your Provider: Too many people create dichotomies in their lifestyles. While they call upon God to direct and protect them in all other personal affairs, they lock the same God out of their financial affairs. When we do this, we rob ourselves of the wisdom and resources of heaven. Recognize that your Provider in everything-including finances-is Almighty God. Not your innate genius. Not your brilliant advisors. Not govt.

Thank God for your knowledge of finance. Encourage your advisors. Pray for your head of state and all legislators. But look to God.

In genesis 22, Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son Isaac on Mount Moriah. An instant before the sacrifice, God stayed Abraham's hand and showed him a ram caught in a thicket, which he offered instead. Therefore, Abraham named the spot Jehovah-Jireh, which means "Jehovah provides".

God met Abraham's need. He honoured Abraham's faith and obedience. The same God stands ready to provide for your need. Plant your seed-invest your money-and trust the Great Provider to give the seed germinating power and bring it to harvest. Recognize God as your Provider.

2. Keep your mind off things you don't want, and on the things you do want.

3. Invest what you want to get back.

4. Invest on the front end.

5. Be patient.

6. Don't be deterred by a crop failure.

7. Put your money where you want your heart to be.

8. Rejoice.

9. Expect results.

10. Give God the glory.

God's word is as true as God in heaven is true. Dr. John Haggai says, 'I commend these commandments to you for your own enrichment, expansiveness, and maximum potential under God. Follow them and you'll find release from financial bondage. And you'll know, more than ever, that it is more blessed to give than to receive."

Let us prove what our Lord said in Luke 6:38. "Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again".

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12.

Amen! God bless you.