Slaying the Dragons

Gentry was anxious to get started on his journey. His armor was polished, his horse was saddled, and his weapons were sharp. As he began to head out of the gate, he wondered what will happen when he meets a dragon. He did not ponder that question long. Not far from the safety of his village, he came upon a lone cave where he heard rumors that a dragon lived. He stood outside of the cave, his armor shining in the sun, and called for the dragon to come out and do battle. What emerged shocked him. The dragon looked exactly like Gentry. He moved and reacted as if Gentry was looking in a mirror. He remembered the words of the wise one continually telling him that the largest battles we have, we have with ourselves.

The dragon begins to tell Gentry that he cannot make it and that his crusade is not worth it. He plays to each of his fears and frustrations while he encourages him to turn around and go back to the life that he has always known. A life that may not be what he wanted, but at least it is what he knew. After all, Gentry was young and there will always be time to start in the future. Why should he start on his crusade now? The dragon wanted him to return to the comfort of his habits and routine trying to convince him that he needed more training. Gentry had to make a choice, go back or fight. The decision was his to make.

The dragon’s name was Indecision. Indecision handicaps people before they even begin the journey and its primary purpose is to have you return to the place where you feel most comfortable, your rut. Most people’s lives are very predictable and that predictability gives us comfort. We have created our habits and those habits have chosen a lifestyle for us. When we purposely choose to leave that comfort and change our course, the dragon of indecision is always there to taunt us. Often times we chose the pain of what we know over the fear of the unknown. However, if we are to ever move past our situations to that of true financial stewardship, this is the first dragon that needs to be slain.

The decision to make a change in the way that we think and live is not a small thing. When someone makes a real decision it means that they are willing to change their habits and examine their thinking. A person’s thinking determines their course of action or inaction. All too often we try to rationalize and keep our old routines, while telling ourselves that we want a different destination. Your thought process determines your habits. Your habits determine your destination. To have a new destination, you must begin changing your thought life and create new habits.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Rom 12:1-2

It starts with a renewing of your mind, thinking differently and not being caught up in the pattern that the world has established. Our attitudes and patterns about money have been developed since the time we were young. Some people had a great foundation with Biblical teaching and development. Others have been taught attitudes about money that are not Biblical. Most, however, developed attitudes that are a mixture of “worldly advice” and “Biblical wisdom”.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim 3:16-17

True stewardship means managing yourself in a way that brings honor and glory to God. Financial stewardship focuses on managing what God has entrusted to us in a way that brings Him honor and glory. It is our responsibility, but God has provided specific direction within the scriptures.

It all begins with a choice. Begin the journey or stay back in the village. God has given us His word as a guide through the pitfalls and promised to walk with us each step of the way. He has promised to provide wisdom and comfort and warns us against indecision.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives
generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:5-8

So, like Gentry, the choice is yours to make. You can decide to move forward and slay the dragon or return to the village of your habits that you have constructed. I cannot promise you that the journey will be an easy one or that there will not be pitfalls along the way. I can promise you that you will be stronger because of the journey and the battles that you will face along the way.

Gentry found himself being seduced to turn around and retreat. Suddenly, from deep within him a power grew that told him he was destined for more. He knew that if he turned back, it would be harder to begin again. Even though he did not know what was down the path, he knew he had to start. Spinning around, he thrust his sword killing the dragon. As he sat resting, he glanced over to a nearby hilltop. What he saw surprised him. Sitting on a rock watching the battle was another dragon. He congratulated Gentry, telling him that most people don’t make it this far, they turn back. He then introduced himself as “Religiosity”.