Develop an Abundant Mind - Part 3 of 8
April 20th, 2007 | Michael Pink
The keys to developing an abundant mindset are found in Phil 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
An abundant mind is full of truth, honor (honesty) and also loves what is just. The unsaved of the world judge us much more by our deeds than our words. In particular, they pay attention to whether we are just in our dealings. If it even looks like we’re not, the accusations come. I believe it is our duty to not only be just in our dealings, but to go the extra mile to ensure our reputation for being just.
When we are not just in our dealings, it seems to me that the injustice is always done to the other party. We are rarely unjust to ourselves and if so, it is usually an accident! With that in mind, we must consider why we would be unjust? I submit to you it has its roots in a poverty mentality. We somehow feel that if we made ourselves just in the eyes of the other guy, it would cost us too much, hurt us financially or there wouldn’t be enough left to take care of our needs. That is poverty thinking. We must act justly. Bite the bullet. Think justly. It is what the Lord requires. (Micah 6:8)
When we embrace the abundant mindset of being just, we open the door of provision to accomplish that justice. God would not tell us to be just and make it impossible to do so. I believe He would also honor that and make provision as needed because you can be trusted.
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April 23rd, 2007 at 11:28 am
This can be a hard one as it will often mean that we have to put honor over profit. If we are the reason that we find ourselves in a particular situation then we should take the high road. If it is due to the actions of the other party then it is less clear.
In the mortgage business there are many parties who can make mistakes. But it is generally the loan officer who shoulders the blame. That said, I would rather receive less profit then have the client or realtor walk away feeling like I had no honor.
April 23rd, 2007 at 11:34 am
I really enjoyed this article. As market place ministry vessels we must always honor god and uphold the integrity of God. No profit amount is worth losing integrity. It also reminded me to always try to maintain a spirit of excellence so that no evil comment can be spoken of me or my business.
April 23rd, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Many years ago I worked with Larry Burkett. He wanted me to counsel and do seminars in churches. I was a financial planner and sold products to my clients. He did not want me to sell anything because of a conflit of interest. I thought I could always be honest with people. But I learned what Paul meant in Romans when he said, “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want , but do the very thing I hate. For I have the desire to do what is right , but not the ability to carry it out”. Romans 7:15 and 18.
Maybe others can but I doubt it. The heart is wicked and very deceitful. A lot of Christians are fooling themselves.
Kern
April 29th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Please clarify this statement for me…?
Maybe others can but I doubt it. The heart is wicked and very deceitful. A lot of Christians are fooling themselves.