We really like the idea of abundance. It sounds so desirable! But, what’s the cost? Let’s discuss the cost of abundance.

flowers in spring as used in the post The Cost of Abundance

The Dream

When we consider an abundant life we create a picture in our head.

Certainly that visual image varies from one person to the next.

For example, we may envision abundance in terms of a relationship. Or maybe job security. Another option is the freedom to choose our lifestyle. Many will associate material wealth, whatever the level, with abundance.

However, there are other factors that should come into play, such as gratitude for what we already have.

But, how do we get there? That is, how do we come to our envisioned place of abundance?

The Reality

Now, we must admit that dreams and reality often don’t coincide.

We can dream all we want. But, dreaming alone doesn’t take us to that place of reality.

Ok, now what?

If we’re to enjoy abundance, regardless of how we have envisioned it, we must find a way forward toward that place of abundance.

Most often, who we are right now will not take us there.

Huh? Why is that? Because we would already be in that place of abundance if we were already that person who got us there!

Therefore, the cost of abundance is that tough, inner transformation that must take place before we get to the place of abundance.

When we grow, we’re positioning ourselves to become the person who realizes the abundance we deeply desire.

Here’s a simple example of realized abundance.

We desire financial stability by creating sustainable wealth. The catch? We must first build our knowledge of wealth creation. Then, we must understand the disciplines that take us to that place of sustainable wealth.

Disciplines such as? Well, disciplines like pay yourself first. And, live off of less than you make each month. Also, be patient; don’t get trapped by get-rich-quick schemes.

Truly, we write our life story by the wise choices we make each day.

To enjoy abundance, we must take the risk of becoming someone we’re not right now. proverbsforprofessionals.net

The Precept

In Proverbs 13.23 Solomon observes that the poor can enjoy an abundant harvest. He says “Much food is in the tillage of the poor.”

Unfortunately, that potential abundance is “…destroyed for lack of judgment.”

One reading says the abundance is swept away by injustice. Another view is that their lack of good judgment produces the loss.

The first interpretation focuses on uncontrollable external factors. The second interpretation emphasizes those things that we do control. Such as? For one, our approach to how we handle our recurring cash flows.

Certainly you can see how self-discipline is connected to the accumulation of material abundance. That financial discipline is an example of the cost of abundance.

Apply This Today!

It’s good that we desire to grow. But, it’s much better for us to have clarity about the direction of, and purpose for, our personal and professional growth.

An important aspect of writing our life’s story is having a learner’s attitude. Instead of fighting life or believing we’re a victim, we’re willing to grow. And, we’re flexible enough to recognize there are multiple ways of finding the abundance we envision.

An abundant life discovers its divine purpose. More importantly, an abundant life makes progress toward accomplishing that life purpose! Certainly, we must pair our dreams with intentional actions for realizing those dreams.