I have several financial problems that I call my “thorns.” I know I need to do something about them, but I keep putting it off. How do I become more motivated about dealing with them? Small problems have a way of becoming big problems if we continually ignore them. My motivation usually comes from wanting to avoid more pain caused by procrastination. The Bible speaks to this very problem.
There is an interesting warning in Numbers 33. The Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. He instructed the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the Promised Land and warned them what would happen if they failed to obey.
“But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell” (Numbers 33:55 ESV).
Though this passage describes a specific command God gave Israel concerning the Promised Land, the principle illustrates something we see throughout Scripture: problems we knowingly ignore can eventually cause serious pain. He even calls them “thorns in your side.” We know that is true with money. It is easy to procrastinate when danger does not appear imminent. For instance: These problems rarely disappear on their own. Bad habits must be replaced with good ones.
Self-control and perseverance must be practiced. Accountability and wisdom must be sought. Problems ignored can become serious, life-altering pain. Proverbs 27:23 says, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds” (ESV). That means pay attention. Know what you earn, owe, spend, give, and save and the condition of your investments.