Bryan L. Sudweeks, E.Jeffhill,Ashleylebaron

PreparewithVision,PlanwithPurpose,

WritewithPrayer,so you CanCreatewithConfidence:

12StepstoBringingChristMoreintoourLivesandFinances

Bryan L. Sudweeks, E.JeffHill,AshleyLeBaron

August 22,2017

BryanSudweeksgaveapresentationontheeastcoastabouthowweteachpersonalfinanceatBYU.Anoldergentleman,notofourfaith,asked,“Howdoyouteachpersonalfinancedifferentlyinafaith-basedschoolthanIteachinasecularschool?”Bryanponderedthequestionforamomentandreplied,“Inadditiontowhatyouteach,weteachwhatthescripturesandprophetshavesaid.Thattakespersonalfinancefrombeingaquestionofmoneytoaquestionoffaith.”Thegentlemanthoughtabouttheresponse,paused,andthenstated,“Youhaveabiggerhammer.”

AsbothChristiansandmanagersofourfinances,wetrulydohaveabiggerhammer.Butdoweusethathammerasweshould?Areweusingtherestoredgospelandthegrace and atonementofJesusChristinourlivesandourfinances as we could,orarewedoingitonourown?Are we going forward in our daily battles of life as Mormon wrote, “in the strength of the Lord”[1] or are we fighting our battles alone?

Personalfinanceisnotsimplyhowweusemoney;rather,itishowwerespondtothe commandmentsofGodonhowweusethethingsthatHehasblesseduswith.DallinH.Oakssaid,“Thereisnothinginherentlyevilaboutmoney...Thecriticaldifferenceisthedegreeofspiritualityweexerciseinviewing,evaluating,andmanagingthethingsofthisworldandourexperiencesinit.”[2]Fromourcovenantsofbaptism,stewardship,consecrationandourloveforGodandneighbor,allthatwehaveisfromGodandbecomespartofourstewardshipandtestinmortalitytosee how we will use the things he has blessed us with.Assuch,personalfinanceissimplypartofthegospelofJesusChrist.

The question then becomes, “HowdowebringChristmoreintoourlives and finances?” MelvinJ.Ballardsaid,

Overtheyears,Ihaveobservedthatthosewhoaccomplishthemostinthisworldarethosewithavisionfortheirlives,withgoalstokeepthemfocusedontheirvisionandtacticalplansforhowtoachievethem.Knowingwhereyouaregoingandhowyouexpecttogettherecanbringmeaning,purpose,andaccomplishmenttolife.[3]

Inthispaperwepresent12stepstobringingChristmore intoourlivesandfinances. Weemphasizethedoctrine,principlesand the application process of aChrist-centeredperspective because of the power it brings to help motivate us to do what we must do.WebringChristmoreintoourlivesaswepreparewithvision,planwithpurpose, write with prayer, so we cancreatewithconfidence. Withgrace and thepoweroftheatonementofJesusChristtohelp,wecanthenaccomplishallthingsthatweandGodneedustoaccomplish.

PreparewithVision

PreparationisacriticalpartofeverythingthatGoddoesandshouldbepartofeverythingwedo.Recallthatwiththecreationoftheworldtherewasaspiritualcreationfirst,thenthelaterphysicalcreation.Webelievethatpreparing,planning and writingour goals and plans areallpartofthespiritualcreation,andexecution of those plansisthephysicalcreation.

PreparationiscriticalasweseektobringChristintoourpersonalfinances.Weneedtochooseand strengthen our faithinChrist,catch our vision, elevate our perspective and understanding,andseek wisdom and learning.

1.Chooseand strengthen faith. Choose and strengthen our faithinChrist.NeilL.Andersonremindedus“Mydearfriends. Yourfaithdidnotbeginatbirthanditwillnotendatdeath. Faithisachoice. Strengthenyourfaith.”[4]DallinH.Oakssaid,“Godwilldomorethanwhatisbestforus...TheconvictionthattheLordknowsmorethanwedoandthatHewillanswerourprayersinthewaythatisbestforusandforallofhisotherchildrenisavitalingredientoffaithintheLordJesusChrist.”[5]

TheSaviortaughttheNephitesthattheymustalwayspraytotheFatherinHisname,adding,“AndwhatsoeveryeshallasktheFatherinmyname,whichisright,believingthatyeshallreceive,beholditshallbegivenuntoyou.”[6]DallinH.Oaksfurtherstates,

HeretheSaviorremindsusthatfaith,nomatterhowstrongitis,cannotproducearesultcontrarytothewillofHimwhosepoweritis.TheexerciseoffaithintheLordJesusChristisalwayssubjecttotheorderofheaven,tothegoodnessandwillandwisdomandtimingoftheLord.ThatiswhywecannothavetruefaithintheLordwithoutalsohavingcompletetrustintheLord’swillandintheLord’stiming.[7]

WeshouldstrivetoalignourvisionandgoalswithGod’swillandexercisefaith in Him which includes patiencewithHistiming.Then,withHishelp,wecanaccomplishall things.

2.Catch“your”vision.Thescripturesteach,“Wherethereisnovision,thepeopleperish.”[8]Whyisvisionsoimportanttomotivation?Ilovethethought,“Withincreasedvisioncomesincreasedmotivation.”[9]Wheredoweneedtoimproveourvision?Fouraspectstoconsiderarevisionsofwhoweare,ofwhatwecando,ofwhatwewant,andofwhatGodwantsustodo.

Your vision ofwhoyouare.Weare“allthechildrenofGodbyfaithinJesusChrist,”[10]each“withadivinemissionanddestiny.”[11]Paulremindsus,“Andifchildren,thenheirs;heirsofGod,andjoint-heirswithChrist.”[12]Dowebelieveinthisgreatpotential?“Nodoctrineismorebasic,nodoctrineembracesagreaterincentivetopersonalrighteousness...asdoesthewondrousconceptthatmancanbeashisMaker.”[13]Someoneoncesaid,“Don’ttellmewhattodo,tellmewhoIam.OnceIknowwhoIam,Iwillknowwhattodo.”[14]WearechildrenofGod,andthatopensimmensepossibilities.

Your vision ofwhatyoucando.Somethinkthatinordertobelievesomethingtheymustfirstseeit.Ethertaughtusdifferently;wewillseeitwhenwebelieveit.“AnditcametopassthatEtherdidprophesygreatandmarvelousthingsuntothepeople,whichtheydidnotbelieve,becausetheysawthemnot.”[15]Thepeopleweresohardintheirheartsthattheycouldnotimaginethesewonderfulthingshappening,sotheydidnotbelievethattheycouldhappen.Laterinthatsamechapter,Ethersharesaboutsomeotherpeoplewhobelieveditfirstandthensawit.Hewrites,“Andthereweremanywhosefaithwassoexceedinglystrong,evenbeforeChristcame,whocouldnotbekeptfromwithintheveil,buttrulysawwiththeireyesthethingswhichtheyhadbeheldwithaneyeoffaith,andtheywereglad.”[16]Aswecatchthevisionofwhatwecando,ifwewillbelieveit,wewillseeitcometopass.

Your vision ofwhatyouwanttoaccomplish.Oncewehavethevisionofwhoweareandwhatwecando,ourchallengethenbecomesoneofdecidingwhatitiswewantoutoflife. Doyouhavethatvisionofwhatyouwantoutoflife?Haveyouthoughtaboutyourdesiresandgoals?HaveyouprayedaboutthemtomakesuretheyarethedesiresandgoalsthatHeavenlyFatherwouldhaveyouaccomplish?HaveyoureadandponderedyourpatriarchalandotherblessingsrecentlytounderstandGod’splanforyou?

Ifyourvisionrequiresfinancialconsiderations,haveyouthoughtabouthowmuchyouwillneedtosaveeachmonthtodothethingsyouhaveplanned?Mostimportantly,areyouwillingtosacrificeforthem?NelsonMandelasaid,“Onceapersonisdeterminedtohelpthemselves,thereisnothingthatcanstopthem.”[17]Asourvisionofwhatwewantincreases,ourwillingnesstodothethingsnecessarytoachieveourvisionincreasesaswell. IlovethepoembyJesseRittenhousethatsays,

IbargainedwithLifeforaPenny,andLifewouldpaynomore,

HoweverIbeggedatevening,whenIcountedmyscantystore.

ForLifeisajustemployer,Hewillgiveyouwhatyouask,

Butonceyouhavesetthewages,why,youmustbearthetask.

Iworkedforamenial’shire,onlytolearn,dismayed,

ThatanywageIhadaskedofLife,Lifewouldhavewillinglypaid.[18]

Wewillgetoutoflifewhatwearewillingtohaveavisionfor,setagoalfor,andthenworktoachieve. Wewillnotgetmorethanthis. Oncewehaveourvisionforourselves,wecanthenworkonsettingourgoals. MelvinJ.Ballardsaid, “IbelievethatoneimportantkeytohappinessistolearnhowtosetourowngoalsandestablishourownplanswithintheframeworkofourHeavenlyFather’seternalplan.Ifwefocusonthiseternalpath,wewillinevitablyqualifytoreturntoHispresence.”[19]Healsosaid,

Duringthecomingweeks,findtimetoreviewyourlife’s[visions,]goalsandyourplans,andmakesuretheyalignwithourHeavenlyFather’sgreatplanforourhappiness.Ifyouneedtorepentandchange,thenconsiderdoingsonow.Takethetimetoprayerfullythinkaboutwhatadjustmentsareneededtohelpyoukeepyour“eyesingletothegloryofGod.”[20][21]

Your vison ofwhatGodwouldhaveyoudoorbecome.Correctlyunderstandingwhoweareiscriticaltounderstandingourwork,destinyand mission in life. Thescripturesremindusofourworkwhenitsays,“Behold,thisisyourwork,tokeepmycommandments,yea,withallyourmight,mindandstrength.”[22]Just as God has His work, we have our work as well.

TheProclamationontheFamilystates:“Allhumanbeings—maleandfemale,arecreatedintheimageofGod. Eachisabelovedsonordaughterofheavenlyparents,and,assuch,eachhasadivinenatureanddestiny.”[23]Howdowecometoknowthatdivinedestiny?TadR.Callistersaid,“Itisthisdoctrineofidentitythatdefinesourpotentialdestinyofgodhood.Ifonedoesnotcorrectlyunderstandhisdivineidentity,thenhewillnevercorrectlyunderstandhisdivinedestiny.Theyare,intruth,inseparablepartners.”[24]

Finally, on our mission’s in life, JohnH.Grobergcommented,

Whatisyourmissioninlife?WhatdoesGodexpectyoutoaccomplishduringyoursojournhereupontheearth?Andareyoudoingit?Tohelpanswerthesequestions,IhopetheSpiritoftheLordwillimpressuponusalltheimportanceofatleastthesethreeeternaltruths:1.God,ourFatherinHeaven,doeshaveaspecificmissionforallofustofulfillandperformwhilewearehereuponthisearth.2.Wecan,hereandnow,inthislife,discoverwhatthatmissionis. 3.WithHishelpwecanfulfillthatmissionandknowandhaveassurance,hereandnow,thatwearedoingthatwhichispleasingtoHim. WiththehelpoftheSpiritoftheLordwecanunderstandthesetruthsandmovethecourseofourlifeintunewiththem.[25]

3.Elevate your perspective and understanding. Liftyourthoughtsandthinklongerterm.TheLordcounseled,“Letthesolemnitiesofeternityrestonyourminds.”[26]Ifwewillthinkabouteternity(whichisdefinitelylonger-term),wewill either knowwhywewantorneedtoaccomplishsomething, or itwilldiminishinitsimportance and motivation. Consider whyisitimportant?Whatwillitdoforyou? David A. Bednar recommends we think of doctrines, principles, and application as ourpowerful framework for learning.[27]

BoydK.Packersaid,“Truedoctrine,understood,changesattitudesandbehavior.Thestudyofthedoctrinesofthegospelwillimprovebehaviorquickerthanastudyofbehaviorwillimprovebehavior.That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel.”[28]Thedoctrinesarethe“why’s”wedothesethings. These answer the hard questions of the soul.

While there are many important doctrines, for us tounderstandthe“why’s”wetaketheviewofeternityfromfourdifferentperspectivesandask“why”thisisimportant.FromaspiritualorGod’sperspective,everythingGoddoesistobringustoChrist,forinChristcomes“everygoodthing.”[29]Assuch,thatshouldbeourobjectiveaswell.Fromatemporalperspective,weshouldseektobewiserstewardsoverwhatwehavebeengiven.Godhasgivenusmuch,andweneedtoberesponsibleforwhatwehave.Fromafamilyperspective,everythingwedoshouldbetohelpusreturnwithourfamiliesbacktoHeavenlyFather’spresence.Heavenwouldnotbeheavenwithoutourfamilies.Andfinally,fromanindividualperspective,ourworkandpurposeshouldbetohelpusaccomplishour“divinenatureanddestiny.”[30]Eachofushasadivinemissioninthislife,andweshouldstrivetoaccomplishit.

Next,knowwhatyouwanttodo.Whataretheprinciplesor“what’s”onwhichourdoctrinesor“whys”arebased?While there are specific principles for each of our “how’s” or things you need to do (i.e., principles of budgeting, principles of saving, principles of investing, etc.) there are overriding principles or “what’s” for all of what we do.Webelievethese“what’s”shouldbebasedonfourkeyprincipleslearnedfrom the scriptures.Ifwetruly understandthesefourprinciples,makinglife and financialdecisionsinlifewillbe mucheasier.Thefirstprincipleisownership. Noneofthethingswehavebelongtous,evenourselves.TheyaregivenoronloantousfromalovingHeavenlyFather.[31]Secondisstewardship. Becausewedonotownthesethings,wearestewardsoveralltheLordhasgivenus.[32]Weshouldstrivetobewisestewardswithwhatweare,have,andwillbegiven.Thirdisagency.David O. McKay said, “Nexttothebestowaloflifeitself,therighttodirectthatlifeisGod’sgreatestgifttoman.”[33]Weshoulduseour agencywisely.Finally,accountability. Wewillbeheldaccountablefornotonlyourthoughts,words,andactions,[34]butalsoforeverydollarthatgoesthroughourhands.Thisaccountabilityshouldmotivateustodobettereachdayinourlivesandfinances.

Finally,know “how’s” or the way we are to create and accomplish whatweneedtodo. There are two parts to application.There are the things we will do, or how we will accomplish what we need, i.e., live on a budget, stay out of debt, save for long-term goals, etc., and the processby which we accomplish those “how’s” which we call the “creative process.”For the purpose of this article, we will discuss the process.

The creative processistohaveavisionforwhatwearetryingtoaccomplish,andthensetgoals,whicharetoolstohelpuskeepfocusedonourvision. Thenwebuildthetacticalplansthatwilltakeustoourgoals, while at the same time understanding theconstraints,orthingsthatmustbeaccomplishedforustoaccomplishourvision. Finally,wecommunicatethosevision,goals,andplanstothosewhowill or we need tohelpus.

Perhapsanexampletoputthe “how’s” or creativeprocessinperspective.HeavenlyFather’svisionistheexaltationofhischildren.Hisgoalisto“bringtopasstheimmortalityandeternallifeofman.”[35]HisplanisthePlanofSalvationorthePlanofHappiness.He is constrained by the agency of His children, although Hehasnoconstraintsasto who Hisplancan help. AndHecommunicateshisplanwithHischildrenthroughprophetsandscriptures.

In elevating our understanding, Dieter F. Uchtdorf reminds us,

While understanding the “what” and the “how” of the gospel is necessary, the eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the “why.” When we understandwhyour Heavenly Father has given us this pattern for living, when we rememberwhywe committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead, becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet. . . Seek out the majesty, the beauty, and the exhilarating joy of the “why” of the gospel of Jesus Christ.The “what” and “how” of obedience mark the way and keep us on the right path. The “why” of obedience sanctifies our actions, transforming the mundane into the majestic. It magnifies our small acts of obedience into holy acts of consecration.[36]

Asweunderstandthedoctrines,principlesandapplication,orthe“why’s”,“what’s”and“how’s” and we elevate our understanding,we see things differently. Wehave a longer-term or eternal perspective and areawarenotonlyofwhatweshouldbedoing,butalsowhywearedoingthesethingsandhowwearetoaccomplishthem.Thisawarenesswillhelpusliftourthoughtsabovethecurrentandenticingtemptationstospend.Sincetherearenotemporalcommandments,[37]thechallengeofpersonalfinanceisnotsimplyaquestionofmoneybutaquestionoffaith.Finally,the“why’s”giveusabenchmarkonhowwearedoing.IfourfinancesarebringingusclosertoChrist,helpingusbewiserstewards,helpinguspreparetolivewithourfamiliesinHeavenlyFather’spresence,or helpingusaccomplishourpersonalandfamilymissions,wearedoingourfinancesright.

4.Seek Wisdom and Learning. Personalfinanceisachangingandsomewhatchallengingtopic. Learnaboutwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplish,andlearnasmuchasyoupossiblycan.“Andasallhavenotfaith,seekyediligentlyandteachoneanotherwordsofwisdom;yea,seekyeoutofthebestbookswordsofwisdom;seeklearning,evenbystudyandalsobyfaith.”[38]Wewouldaddtoseeklearningfromthosewhoarenottryingtosellyousomethingorthosewhodonothaveavested interestinyourdoingthingsforthem.Wewouldalsoavoidtheunfaithfulandfaithlesswhenstrivingforreligioustruth.

Seektruthandlearnwisdom.Whereiswisdomtobefound?Almacounseledhisson,“O,remember,myson,andlearnwisdominthyyouth;yea,learninthyyouthtokeepthecommandmentsofGod.”[39]Howdowelearnwisdom?TheLordsaid,“LethimthatisignorantlearnwisdombyhumblinghimselfandcallingupontheLordhisGod,thathiseyesmaybeopenedthathemaysee,andhisearsopenedthathemayhear;FormySpiritissentforthintotheworldtoenlightenthehumbleandcontrite.”[40]By living the commandments and humbly listening to the Spirit’s guidance, we learn wisdom.

PlanwithPurpose

Oncewehavepreparedourlifewithvision,ournextstepistoplan our lives with purpose.We plan with purpose as we strive to understand our vision, set our goals (which are tools to focus us on that vision), and develop the plans to accomplish those goals.WebringChristintoour goals and plans aswecounselwiththeLord,decidetodecide,doitwillingly, and understand our constraints and communicate.

5. CounselwiththeLord.Wehavebeentoldto“counselwiththeLordinallourdoings, and He will direct thee for good.”[41]ThatincludesHishelptodeveloptheplanstoaccomplishourgoalsandvision.Thecommandmentto“askandyeshallreceive”isfoundinnotjustonevolumeofscripturebutinallthestandardworks.”[42]ClearlywehavebeencounseledtoseektheLord’shelpinourlives.

However,manypeopleinworkingontheirvision, goalsandplansthinktheyhavetodothesethingsalone.Theymaythinkthatbecausetheycreatedtheirchallenges(whichmaybetrue),theLordisunwillingtohelpthem.Aprophetasked,“IsanythingtoohardfortheLord?”[43]Hethenansweredhisownquestionbystating,“IbelievetheLordcandoanythinghesetshismindtodo.”[44]Webelievethatincludeshelpingyoudevelopyourvision,goalsandplans.

CounselingwiththeLordispartofpreparation,planningandcreation.Inplanning,seekHishelpandHisguidanceasyoudetermine your goals and develop your plans.Key to this process is to makesureyourgoalsareconsistentwiththethingsthatHewouldhaveyouaccomplish. You can do nothing better than to do what He would have you do.

6.Decidetodecide.Makethedecisionsnowaboutwhatyouneedtodo,andcommittothosedecisionstoday!Decidenowwhatyouwillandwillnotdotohelpyourselfandyourfamily,andthenbedonewiththosedecisions.SpencerW.Kimballsaid,

Wehopewecanhelpouryoungmenandyoungwomentorealize,evensoonerthantheydonow,thattheyneedtomakecertaindecisionsonlyonce...Wecanpushsomethingsawayfromusonceandhavedonewiththem!Wecanmakeasingledecisionaboutcertainthingsthatwewillincorporateinourlivesandthenmakethemours—withouthavingtobroodandre-decideahundredtimeswhatitiswewilldoandwhatwewillnotdo...Myyoungbrothers[andsisters],ifyouhavenotdonesoyet,decidetodecide![45]

SeektheLord’shelpasyouseektodevelopyour goals and tacticalplanstohelpyouaccomplishyourgoals.Thereisnoonewholovesyoumoreandismorecommittedtohelpingyou.Committowhatyouneedtodoandfollowthrough.ThesweetpsalmistofIsraelwrote,“CommitthywayuntotheLord;trustalsoinhim;andheshallbringittopass.”[46]WiththehelpoftheLord,Hewill“giveuntoyousuccess.”[47]

7.Doitwillingly. OnhiswaytoCarthage,JosephSmithknewthathewouldnotreturn.“Iamgoinglikealambtotheslaughter,butIamcalmasasummer’smorning;IhaveaconsciencevoidofoffensetowardsGod,andtowardsallmen...Anditshallyetbesaidofme—hewasmurderedincoldblood.”[48]HebroughthiswillinsubjectiontothewillofHeavenlyFather.Isnotthatoneofthepurposesoflife,tobringourwillsinlinewiththewilloftheFather?Weknowwewilleither“bendtheknee”willinglyofourownfreewillandchoice,orwewillbecompelledtodoitwhenHecomesagain.[49]Eitherway,wewillcometorecognizeChrist.

GeorgeAlbertSmithwasshowingvisitorsaroundSaltLakeCity.TheywereexpressingsadnessthatthesaintshadbeendrivenoutoftheirbeautifulcityofNauvoo.George’sanswerwasinstructive,“No,notatall.Wecameherewillingly,becausewehadto!”[50]Aswethinkonthesethings,realizehowmuchbetteritistodothethingswillinglythatweneedtodobecausewehavefaithinChristandareseekingtoobeyHiscommandments.

8. Understand your constraints and communicate. Once you have your goals and plans, understand your constraints.What are the things that are required for you to accomplish those goals?What are the things that are critical that can keep you from achieving your goals and plans?Understand these constraints and think through them to make sure they will not deter you from your vision.

Finally, letothersknowwhatyouaredoing, by sharing with them your vision, goals, plans and constraints.Therearefourpurposeshere.First,inourexperience,embarrassmentsometimesismorepowerfulthanguiltinmotivatingustoaccomplishmore.Shareyour vision, goals and plans withyourspouse,children, mentors andfriends.Letthemknowofyoursuccessesandfailures.Second, asweletothersknowwhatwedesiretoaccomplish,theycanhelpustoaccomplishourgoalsandgiveusincreasedmotivationtodowhatweshould.Third, we may fall short of our goals and vision. If so, spouses, mentors and friends can often help us understand where we fell short and give us help to improve.Finally, asweshare our vision, goals and plans withothers, wegivethempermissiontoworkontheirown vision and goals as well.Theymaybethinkingabouttheverythingsyouhaveshared,andassuch,youhavehelpedthemintheirlives by increasing their vision.Asyousharewithothers,yougivethempermissiontocatch similar visions and goals forthemselves.

WritewithPrayer

9. Writewith prayer.Asour vision for the things we want to become and to accomplish in life becomes clearer, we are ready for the next step. Take that vision and use it to help define your goals, the things youwanttoaccomplishinyourlife and the plans for how you will accomplish those goals.Your goals are tools to help you keep focused on your vision.Your plans are those steps necessary for you to accomplish our goals.Your constraints are those things you will need to overcome to accomplish your goals.And communication is who you will share these things with. Write your vision, goals, plans and constraints with thought and prayer, and then be ready to share them. Bring Christ into your lifeplanning and writing session so you make sure your vision, goals, plans and constraints are consistent with what Heavenly Father would have you set. Someonesaid,“Agoalnotwrittenisonlyawish.”[51]

Melvin J. Ballard said, “IbelievethatoneimportantkeytohappinessistolearnhowtosetourowngoalsandestablishourownplanswithintheframeworkofourHeavenlyFather’seternalplan.Ifwefocusonthiseternalpath,wewillinevitablyqualifytoreturntoHispresence.”[52]

While there are many different perspectives, we like to separate vision into four different areas:spiritual, temporal, family, and individual, with our goals in similar areas.Oncewehavewrittenthemdown,thinkaboutthemandprayaboutthem.Aretheywhatweshouldbeworkingtoward?Are they balanced?Ifso,pursuethemwithpassionandfire, and develop the plans to achieve each one.Thoreausaid,"Ifyouhavebuiltcastlesintheair,yourworkneednotbelost;thatiswheretheyshouldbe.Nowputthefoundationsunderthem."[53]

Theword“remember”occurs269timesinthescriptures.Whiletheremaybemanyreasonsforthis,onemightbetoremindusofthethingsthathavealreadyhappenedtohelpusincreaseourfaithinthingsthathavenotyethappened.Canweusethissamelogicinourlives?

We recommendkeepingajournalofthethingswearedoingandwhatwehaveaccomplished.Aswe prepare with vision and writeourgoals with prayer, and then visualizeourselves achievingthem,itwillgiveusincreasedincentivetoworkonyourgoals.Aswerecordoursuccessesandchallenges,wewillseetheLord’shandinourlifeandourprogresstowardourgoals.Asweseewhatwehaveaccomplishedinthepast,itwillgiveusincreasedincentivetoreachothergoalsaswell.

CreateyourVisionwithConfidence

Oncewehaveprepared with vision,planned with purpose, written our goals, tactical plans and constraints with prayerand communicated our vision, goals and plans with others, we have done the spiritual creation.It is now time to execute our plans.Realize that two people can do anything, as long as one is the Lord.[54]

In execution, itisimportantthatweworkourplanswithChrist’shelptocreatethephysicalcreation,theactualaccomplishmentofourvisionandgoals.WebringChristintoourpersonalfinancesaswetry to do our best, embrace and give grace,andcleave toourcovenantsandpromisedblessings.

10. Try our best. TheLorddeclaredtotheProphetJosephSmith,“VerilyIsayuntoyou,[thegiftsofGod]aregivenforthebenefitofthosewholovemeandkeep...mycommandments,and[forthem]thatseekethsotodo.”[55]For us,“seekingsotodo”issometimesall we canoffer. We are appreciativethat we don’thavetobeperfect,but we dohavetotry.JeffreyR.Hollandsaid,

Aren’tweallthankfulforthataddedprovision“and…seekethsotodo”!Thathasbeenalifesaverbecausesometimesthatisallwecanoffer!WetakesomesolaceinthefactthatifGodweretorewardonlytheperfectlyfaithful,Hewouldn’thavemuchofadistributionlist...Itsaysagainandagainthatwearegoingtobeblessedforourdesiretodogood,evenasweactuallystrivetobeso.[56]

Healsoencouragedandpromiseduswhenhesaid,

Ifgospelstandardsseemhighandthepersonalimprovementneededinthedaysaheadseemsoutofreach,rememberJoshua’sencouragementtohispeoplewhentheyfacedadauntingfuture.“Sanctifyyourselves,”hesaid,“fortomorrowtheLordwilldowondersamongyou.”[57]Ideclarethatsamepromise. . . . ItisthepromiseofthisChurch.ItisthepromiseofHimwhoperformsthosewonders,whoisHimself“Wonderful,Counsellor,ThemightyGod,...ThePrinceofPeace.”[58]OfHimIbearwitness.OfHimIamawitness.[59]

AswebringChristintoourfinances,andsanctify ourselves as we strivetoobeyHiscommandments,Hewillblessandstrengthenussothatwetrulywillsee“theLorddowondersamong[us]” with our vision, goals and plans.

11.Embraceand give grace. DieterF.Uchtdorfdefinedgraceas“thedivineassistanceandendowmentofstrengthbywhichwegrowfromtheflawedandlimitedbeingswearenowintoexaltedbeingsof“truthandlight.”[60]It is a gift from Christ, where He gives us the help we need, and we use His help to become better and more like Him.Wewillneedhishelpifwearetoaccomplishwhatweshould.

Remember,weaknessesarenotpenaltiesfromGod;rather,weaknessesareGod-given stepping-stonestohelp us becomemorelikeHim.Hegivesusweaknessessothatwewilllearntobehumble,toovercomethem(andourselves),andtobecomemorelikeHim.Ethertaught,

Andifmencomeuntome[Christ]Iwillshowuntothemtheirweakness.Igiveuntomenweaknessthattheymaybehumble;andmygraceissufficientforallmenthathumblethemselvesbeforeme;foriftheyhumblethemselvesbeforeme,andhavefaithinme,thenwillImakeweakthingsbecomestronguntothem.[61]

Alongwithourweaknesses,weshouldrememberthatGodalsogaveusournaturalabilities. SinceHegavethemtousaswell,ifweseekHishelp,Hecan,throughHisgrace,helpustoworkbeyondthem.Wehavebeencounseled,“Youcanperformbeyondyournaturalabilities;youcanaccelerateyourlearning—providingyouliveinaccordancewithGod’scommandments.”[62]DavidA.Bednarexplainedthesourceofthispower,“TheenablingandstrengtheningaspectoftheAtonement[grace]helpsustoseeandtodoandtobecomegoodinwaysthatwecouldneverrecognizeoraccomplishwithourlimitedmortalcapacity.”[63]RichardC.Edgeleysaid,

Someburdensthatwearecalledtobeararesoheavythatwecanonlyconquerthemthroughhumility,submissiveness,andcontrition.Thatsoundslikeacontradiction,doesn’tit—gainingstrengthandpowerthroughhumility,submissiveness,andcontrition.Butthatisoneofthegreatironiesoflife—wecanreceivepowerbeyondournaturalabilitybysubmittingourwilltotheFather.[64]

Asyouriseeachmorning,talkwithHeavenlyFatheraboutwhatyouwilltrytoaccomplishthatdayaspartofyourpersonalprayeranddailycreation.SeekHeavenlyFather’sgrace and helpinplanningandpreparingfortheday,thenlistenforHisguidanceandcounsel.LeavewithaprayerinyourheartthatyouwillfollowHisguidanceanddowhatisnecessarytoaccomplishthatgoaltoday.ContinueprayingandseekingHishelpthroughouttheday.

Then,inyourprayerattheendoftheday,reviewwithHeavenlyFatherwhatyoudid,yourphysicalcreationforthatday,givingthanksforwhatyouwereabletoaccomplishandhumblyseekinghelpandguidanceforthethingsyouhaveyettodo.AsyoucounselwiththeLordinallyourdoings,youcanhaveHishelpandHisguidancetohelpyouaccomplishthem.

Finally, how do we give grace?We take the grace we have received and pass it on to others by helping and serving, by doing the things that Christ would do were He here, and by being His hands to his children wherever we are.

12.Cleavetoyourcovenantsandpromisedblessings. TheLordhassaid“Wherefore,liftupthyheartandrejoice,andcleaveuntothecovenantswhichthouhasmade.”[65]Weallmakecovenantsatbaptism,atthesacramenttable,andintheLord’stemples.Thesecovenantsaretwo-waysacredpromiseswithGod,whereifwefulfilloursideofthecovenant,HepromisestofulfillHis—andHewillalwaysfulfillHispromises.Wefindpeace,contentmentandsafetyaswecleavetothosecovenants.Wehavebeencounseled,

Iurgeeachonetoqualifyforandreceiveallthepriesthoodordinanceyoucanandthenfaithfullykeepthepromisesyouhavemadebycovenant.Intimesofdistress,letyourcovenantsbeparamountandletyourobediencebeexact.Thenyoucanaskinfaith,nothingwavering,accordingtoyourneed,andGodwillanswer.Hewillsustainyou.[66]

Aswecleavetoourcovenants—ourpromisestoGodandHispromisestous—wecanhavefaiththatGodwillsustainusandhelpusinourrighteousvision, goals and plans.

Finally,toooftenwefocusonthedifficultiesofthethingswearedoingandfailtoremembertheLord’spromisedblessingstohelpus.TheLordcounseledtheprophetanduswhenHesaid,“Andrememberalsothepromiseswhichweremadetoyou,ifyoudidnottransgressthem.”[67]ThefollowingarejustafewofHispromisedblessingsthatweneedtokeepinmind.Mosiahtaught,

Andmoreover,IwoulddesirethatyeshouldconsiderontheblessedandhappystateofthosethatkeepthecommandmentsofGod.Forbehold,theyareblessedinallthings,bothtemporalandspiritual;andiftheyholdoutfaithfultotheendtheyarereceivedintoheaven,thattherebytheymaydwellwithGodinastateofnever-endinghappiness.[68]

Youshallbe“armedwithrighteousnessandwiththepowerofGodingreatglory.”[69]Youshall“inheritthekingdomofGod...[and][your]joywillbefullforever.”[70]TheLordwill“bewithyouandwillstandbyyou.”[71]“Noneshallstay[you].”[72]TheSaviorwill“gobeforeyouand...beinyourmidst,andyoushallnotbeconfounded.”[73]“Nothingshallprevailagainst[you].”[74]“Powershallrestupon[you];thoushalthavegreatfaith,and[He]willbewith[you].”[75]He“willuphold[you].”[76]He“willtakecareofyourflocks.”[77]Youwillbe“receivedintoastateofhappiness,whichiscalledparadise,astateofrest,astateofpeace,where[we]willrestfromall[your]troublesandfromallcareandsorrow.”[78]“Greatshallbeyourblessing—yea,evenmorethanifyoushouldobtaintreasuresofearth.”[79]

He“willsendupon[you]theComforter.”[80]He“willgobeforeyourface.[He]willbeonyourrighthandandonyourleft.”[81]Hisangelswillbe“roundaboutyou.”[82]You“shallhavegreatfaith.”[83]Youwillbe“enabledtokeep[God’s]laws.”[84]You“[shall]haverevelations.”[85]“Yoursinsareforgivenyou.”[86]Andmostimportantly,you“shallbemaderich. Behold,hethathatheternallifeisrich.”[87]

Summary

AsweinviteChristintoourpersonalfinances,wecanhaveHis strength, love,help,andsupporttoaccomplishwhatweneedto accomplish.ButweneedtodoitHiswayasweprepare with vision,plan with purpose, write with prayer,and then we can create with confidence.

AswedowhatHewouldhaveusdo,bringingChristmoreintoourpersonalfinanceswillhelpusaccomplish more of what we should and ultimately to be more likeHim.Mormoncounsels,“Bewiseinthedaysofyourprobation;stripyourselvesofalluncleanness;asknot,thatyemayconsumeitonyourlusts,butaskwithafirmnessunshaken,thatyewillyieldtonotemptation,butthatyewillservethetrueandlivingGod.”[88]IfourvisionandgoalsarewhatGodwouldhaveusaccomplish,thenwecanknowthatwewill haveHishelptodowhatmustbedone and we will be patient with His timing.

AswestrivetobringChristintoourfinancesandourlife,His gracewillreachoutandhelpusaccomplishthethingsthatweshoulddobutcouldnotdowithoutHishelp.HehaspromisedthattherewillnotbeanycommandmentsHehasgivenus“saveheshallprepareaway...that[we]mayaccomplishthethingwhichhecommandeth[us].”[89]This includes the commandments to live within our means, get out of debt, and save for long-term goals.

Asweprepare with vision,wechooseand strengthen faithinChrist,catch our vision, elevate our perspective and understanding, and seek wisdom and learning.We willcometounderstandandknowGod’swillforusandknow thatHecanhelpusdoallthings.

Asweplan with purpose, wecounselwiththeLord,decidetodecide,doitwillingly, and understand our constraints and communicate. As we do these things, the“spiritualcreation”ofwhatweandGodwantustoaccomplishwillcometolife.Moreover, your motivation will increase as we will know these are the things God would have us accomplish and we will have help to accomplish our vision and goals.

As wewrite with prayer, wedevelop in detail our vision, goals, plans, constraints,who we will communicate them with, and then write this down prayerfully.We solidify them in our heart, mind, and on paper. Wewill have God’s help to know the things we should be working on and moving toward.

Finally,wecreate with confidence as we try our best, embrace and give grace, andcleavetoourcovenantsandpromisedblessings.As we do these things,wewillhavetheSavior’shelptobeabletoaccomplishthe“physicalcreation”—the execution or completion of ourtemporalandspiritualgoals.Aswedo,wewillnotonlybringChristmoreintoourfinancesandaccomplishourindividualandfamilyvision and goals,wewillbecomemorelikeourSaviorJesusChrist.

In managing our finances withthegospel of Jesus Christ as our guide,wetrulydohaveabiggerhammer. We can also have the confidence and strength that as we go and fight the daily battles of life and our finances that we “go in the strength of the Lord God.”[90]David A. Bednar reminds us, “Truly, brothers and sisters, in the strength of the Lord we can do and endure and overcome all things. . . In the strength of the Lord and through His grace, I know that you and I can be blessed to accomplish all things.”[91]

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[1] W of M. 1:14.

[2] Dallin H. Oaks, “Spirituality,”Ensign, November 1985.

[3] M. Russell Ballard, “Return and Receive,” April 2017 General Conference Afternoon Session and Ensign, May 2017.

[4] Neil L. Anderson, “Faith is not by Chance, But by Choice,” Ensign, November 2015.

[5] Dallin H. Oaks, “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” Ensign, May 1994.

[6] 3 Nephi 18:20.

[7] Oaks, Ibid.

[8] Amos 3:7.

[9] Ted R. Callister, “The Power in the Priesthood in the Boy,” Ensign, May 2013.

[10] Gal. 3:26.

[11] Spencer W. Kimball, “Proclamation on the Family,” 1995.

[12] Romans 8:17.

[13] Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ(Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1978), 133.

[14] Anonymous.

[15] Ether 12:5.

[16] Ether 12:19.

[17] Nelson Mandela.

[18] Quoted in Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill, 1960, p. 40.

[19] M. Russell Ballard, “Return and Receive,” General Conference Afternoon Session, April 2017.

[20] D&C 4:5.

[21] Ibid.

[22] D&C 11:20.

[23] “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, November 1995.

[24] Tad R. Callister, “Our Identity and Our Destiny,” BYU Speeches, Aug. 14, 2012.

[25]John H. Groberg, “What is Your Mission,” New Era, January 1987.

[26] D&C 43:34.

[27]From David A Bednar, Increase in Learning, Deseret Book, Salt Lake City, 2011, Chapter 4. Doctrines, Principles, and Applications: A Framework for Learning, pp. 151-172.

[28] Boyd K. Packer, “Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 16.

[29] Moroni 7:22.

[30] Spencer W. Kimball, “Proclamation on the Family,” 1995.

[31] Psalms 24:1.

[32] D&C 136:27.

[33] Teachings of the Presidents of the Church:David O. McKay (2003), 208.

[34] Alma 12:14.

[35] Moses 1:39.

[36]“Forget me Not, Ensign, Nov. 2011.

[37] D&C 29:35.

[38]Italics added, D&C 88:118, 109:7.

[39] Alma 37:35.

[40] D&C 136:32-33.

[41] Alma 37:37.

[42] D&C 88:63, John 16:24, Moses 6:52 and 3 Nephi 27:29.

[43] Spencer W. Kimball, “When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign, September 1984.

[44] Ibid.

[45] Spencer W. Kimball, “Boys Need Heroes Close By,” Ensign, May 1976, 45.

[46] Psalms 37:5.

[47] Alma 26:27.

[48] D&C 135:4.

[49] Mosiah 27:31.

[50] Boyd K. Packer, “Follow the Rule,” Speech to BYU, January 14, 1977.

[51] Anonymous.

[52] M. Russell Ballard, “Return and Receive,” General Conference Afternoon Session, April 2017.

[53] Henry David Thoreau, Walden, 1854.

[54] Philippians 4:13.

[55] D&C 46:9.

[56] Jeffrey R. Holland, “Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders among You,” Ensign, May 2016.