Give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need, lest, being full, I deny you, saying, “Who is the Lord?”—or, being in want, I steal and profane the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:8-9)

I was shocked to discover that verse in the Bible. It sounds, on a surface reading, like we are to be average, barely make it, and not try and achieve success, which may translate into financial success.

Some Christians are even anxious about actually achieving success in business or their professional career. Sadly, I spent a lot of my life thinking this way, because being too focused on goals or successful meant “oh you’re gonna change on us”. And then we use scripture to justify this mindset.

But that verse is not talking against getting rich or successful, but rather, making sure your heart posture is right to receive the whatever success you bring your way.

Lets put it another way the we modern English readers can understand.

“God, my prayer is that my heart posture is so attuned towards you that any success I achieve, I will be able to handle it with maturity, wisdom, and humility.”

It’s one thing to pray about it. It’s another to actually work on your heart posture.

One of the ways ancient Christians did that was something called “compunction”.

“Compunction in Christian spirituality refers to a deep, heartfelt sense of sorrow and repentance for one's sins and shortcomings. It is an emotional and spiritual awakening that leads an individual to recognize their distance from divine ideals and prompts a sincere desire for transformation and reconciliation with God. This feeling is not merely about guilt or regret but is a profound, grace-filled awareness that stirs the soul towards humility and a renewed commitment to spiritual growth. Compunction is often accompanied by tears, not of despair, but of hope and longing for divine mercy and forgiveness. It is seen as a gift that softens the heart, making it receptive to divine love and guidance, and is considered an essential step in the journey towards spiritual maturity and holiness. Through compunction, believers are encouraged to engage in self-examination, prayer, and acts of charity, fostering a deeper connection with the divine and a more compassionate relationship with others.”

So in other words, a constant state of self examination. Constantly examine yourself, as you rise up the ranks at your job, or see your profits increasing. This is not about guilt, but awareness. This “awareness” is also called “Nepsis” in the ancient christian tradition.

Understanding Nepsis

So, imagine your mind is like a big, busy playground with lots of thoughts running around. Nepsis is like having a friendly lifeguard who watches over this playground. This lifeguard helps you pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, making sure they don't get too wild or out of control. It's all about being aware and careful, kind of like when you focus really hard on a game or a puzzle. By practicing nepsis, you learn to notice when your mind starts to wander or when you're feeling upset, and you gently guide it back to a calm and peaceful place. It's like training your brain to be a superhero that can stay focused and peaceful, no matter what's happening around you!

Here’s some way to do that:

- Begin with prayer, asking for guidance and clarity from God to honestly assess your spiritual condition.

- Reflect on your daily life and actions, considering whether they align with the teachings of Christ and the values of the faith.

- Examine your thoughts and intentions, identifying any patterns of sin or areas where you struggle to live according to your beliefs.

- Consider your relationships with others, evaluating whether you are demonstrating love, forgiveness, and humility.

- Assess your participation in communal worship and sacraments, ensuring you are actively engaging in the life of the Church.

- Review your prayer life, determining if you are maintaining a consistent and heartfelt dialogue with God.

- Contemplate your use of time and resources, ensuring they are being used in service to God and others.

- Seek guidance from spiritual texts and writings, allowing them to illuminate areas for growth and improvement.

- Regularly consult with a spiritual advisor or confessor, gaining insight and accountability in your spiritual journey.

So here’s the thing…

Sometimes the root of our anxiety is actually a money problem.  Here are a few resources by renowned entrepreneurship guru Myron Golden, using biblical principles, to help you go to the next level of your business and career: 

Mind Over Money Mastery:  Master Your Mind & Master Your Money

Lack Can Only Exist In Your Experience When It Exists In Your Expectation.

https://www.mindovermoneymastery.com/buy-now?affiliate_id=4283616

Make More Offers Challenge: Discover The Solution To The Single Biggest Mistake That Failing Businesses Make…(HINT: It's Not That They Don't Have Enough Money…). 

https://www.makemoreofferschallenge.com/mmoc?affiliate_id=4283616

B.O.S.S Moves Book:  This is a book about that are hidden in plain sight. Secrets that most people are too programmed by “the system” to see. Secrets about human nature, self-improvement, sales, marketing, and how to price your products and services.

https://www.bossmovesbook.com/bossmoves?affiliate_id=4283616

From the Trash Man to the Cash Man:  This is a book about Principles. Principles that have the potential to make you richer than you ever thought possible.  Learn The Secrets That Took Myron Golden From Making $6.25 Per Hour To Owning A Multi-Million Dollar Business.

https://www.trashmantocashman.com/tmcm-book?affiliate_id=4283616

Myron Golden OPS:  Learn The #1 Secret To Creating Wealth In Today's Economy

Even If You Don't Have A Product, A Business, Or Never Sold Anything Before.

https://www.mygoldenops.com/train-now57576505?affiliate_id=4283616

Offer Mastery Live:  Discover how you can increase your business revenue by over 1280% in just 4 moves.

https://www.makemoreofferschallenge.com/1mmoc_optin50013816

^{Disclaimer: These are affiliate links that help support this blog and our ministry.}