Money Matters: February 2018
By Chuck Dudley
What is a covenant?
Literally, a “Covenant” is a contract. Other synonyms would be: agreement, undertaking, commitment, guarantee, warrant, pledge, promise, bond, indenture, pact, deal, settlement, arrangement or understanding.
Now those are some pretty powerful words that have a lot of meaning. If one makes a covenant with someone, or some entity, there is a large amount of accountability on both parties.
A pastor friend of mine, Bud Reeves, recently wrote in the January Arkansas Methodist publication that Dr. David Lowes defined “covenant”as “an agreement made in a moment of strength, so that in a moment of weakness it cannot be undone.” I like this definition really well.
Reeves went on to talk about “Commitment,” saying: “If you want to change, you have to want to change. You can’t change because someone else tells you to……there has to be a deep desire in the heart to propel us to action. Commitment is not a popular concept in our current self-indulgent culture, but it is a constant with those who excel.”
Well said, Dr Reeves.
Would you make a covenant with yourself?
As we begin the shortest month of the year, is it time to make a covenant with that one person who really needs one……………ourselves?
Probably. We all have begun 2018 with ideals and good intentions. As usual, the daily grind of life takes our attention from the things we intended in order to handle the problem of the day/week.
It’s hard keeping our eye on the prize.
The diet started really well, but you had to go to that dinner party and,……well, just a little of that cake…….and the rolls sure were good.
We are going to save more, but all of a sudden you got the flu, missed work, and had extra drug and doctor bills. There went those savings……….
Retirement planning is high on the list this year. But the cold weather caused problems with the HVAC unit and that $2500 repair bill sidetracked us with our dollar commitments.
Or it could be one of a hundred things.
Making a Covenant in a moment of strength, so it cannot be undone in a moment of weakness, calls for character and discipline. A LOT of discipline. Most of us need help with that discipline.
God’s covenant with Noah and the Ark certainly was not all wine and roses. It created hardships, sadness, pain and anxiety.
Most of us understand those emotions.
Ready to make a covenant? We can help!
Might not be able to help with the diet and similar issues, but looking at financial security and retirement is right up our alley.
Our Covenant to you is we will listen and help you analyze your current situation, with an eye on making strong decisions that can’t be undone when things aren’t going your way.
But one can’t procrastinate. February is the shortest month, there are 40,320 minutes (so someone told me!) Let’s make all of them count. Let’s start today.
And that starts with making a Covenant with yourself to get help, create a plan, and stick with it.
ACTION PLAN
If you really want to make sure you have right ideas for moving forward in a positive manner, we will listen. We’ve been able to help families and businesses learn to use money wisely, and we’d like to help you too. We would be honored to visit with you about how to help you and your business. My number is 501-318-0010, or you can send me an email at cdudley@argentfinancial.com.
An hour of your time spent analyzing your situation might make a lifetime of difference
Arkansas Insurance Producer # 1005698
That’s all for this month! If you’ve enjoyed what you read, please share Money Matters with a friend, family member or loved one.
Sincerely,
Chuck Dudley
Contact Chuck Dudley at (501) 318-0010 or cdudley@argentfinancial.com.
