Last weekend I received a phone call from a young man I had not heard from since he and my son were playing basketball as kids. He asked if I could help him sort out a “financial disaster.” I agreed to meet at a local coffee shop to learn more.

Even though many years had passed and he was now 28, I recognized him right away. The bright smile I remembered had now been replaced by a look of pain and sadness.

The good news is that he has completed his master’s degree in engineering and has secured employment out of state. The sad part is he is having trouble qualifying for an apartment. He was able to purchase a car, but the interest is outrageous. Upon further explanation, I learned that his parents had been using his Social Security number since he was a young boy.

When he confronted his parents, they defended their actions by talking to him about all of the “things” he had grown up with. They further explained that “it’s hard out here” and “we had to do what we had to do.”

Because the son is a junior, using his Social Security number wasn’t difficult. In this case, the desire for things outweighed integrity and judgment.

As shocking as this story may sound, believe it or not, it happens everyday. Misplaced priorities have plagued our community for far too long. So many people feel that having “things” define them. How many of us know someone who is driving a top-of-the-line vehicle but living in a home that needs repair, or robbing one bill to pay another?

How many are making financial decisions based on credit limits and not financial means? Proverbs 15:16 reminds us that it is better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.

As we approach the end of 2010, let’s examine our relationship with money. Where we are out of balance, let’s work to bring balance.

Remember, there is a difference between the things we need and the things we want. The Word of God encourages us to owe no man; let’s pay our debts. He further instructs us that it is better to be a lender and not a borrower; let’s stop over extending. And finally, each one teach one; let’s make sure that at an early age our children understand how money works and the value of positive credit.

Addressing these issues in our private lives will pay high dividends over time.

As for the young man, I am connecting him with Marlon Nesbitt of Bridging the Gap to help develop his recovery plan.
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Tanya Wilson is an inspirational speaker living in Charlotte. Friend her on Facebook, or email her at tw360you@aol.com.
 

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