What Are You Thinking About?

Read Time / 2 Minutes

Theme / Behavioral Finance

I remember the first time my friend told me about her anxiety.

The year was 2013 and the winter weather had made its way into Silicon Valley.  While the gang and I were getting ready to go for a walk around the neighborhood, my friend began sharing her thoughts and bout with anxiety.  “Anxiety?! What is that?” I thought, as we left the house.  With the chilly California winter breeze brushing against my face, I pondered what it meant to be anxious and what might be wrong with my friend.

Scripture sheds light on the reality of a spiritual world.  Apostle Paul, while in prison, encouraged the Church in Ephesus to continue to put on the whole armor of God because our battle is not against physical things, but against the spiritual forces of wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:11-12).  

Did you know?

·      Over 77% of people living in America experience anxiety over their finances (according to the Mind over Money survey)

·      Over 75% of church goers don’t tithe (according to a Nonprofits Source Survey)

Although it is foolish for me to think that just tithing would make life worry-free, but my own life experience and these statistics does highlight that how I handle money will influence my thoughts, my feelings, and, ultimately, my behavior.

Regardless of what Baby Step one may be on, Dave Ramsey encourages us to tithe through the whole process.  In Matthew 6:20-21, Jesus reminds us “wherever your treasure is, there your heart will also be (Matthew 6:20-21).”  

When I was younger, I hadn’t experienced anxiety so I struggled to believe its impact.  Though anxiety, like the wind, can’t been seen, we do have the power to influence the direction of our thoughts with how we spend our time and money. 

Question to ponder:  what decisions can I make with time and money that would allow me to think about Jesus more?

Isaiah 26:3 declares, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!”

Ryan De Amicis

Wealth Advisor

408.758.6413

ryan@christianwm.com