Common Sense for 2009

March 10, 2009

The Bible says in Prov. 4:7, that “in all our getting, get understanding,” which is really nothing more than “anointed common sense.” I came across a piece of advice Warren Buffet gave to his shareholders for 2009. I was amazed by the simplicity and common sense found in his approach toward basic management of money. This is what Buffet said:

“We begin this New Year with dampened enthusiasm and dented optimism. Our happiness is diluted and our peace is threatened by the financial illness that has infected our families, organizations and nations.

Everyone is desperate to find a remedy that will cure their financial illness and help them recover their financial health. They expect the financial experts to provide them with remedies, forgetting the fact that it is these experts who created this financial mess.

Every new year, I adopt a couple of old maxims as my beacons to guide my future. This self-prescribed therapy has ensured that with each passing year, I grow wiser and not older. This year, I invite you to tap into the financial wisdom of our elders along with me, and become financially wiser.

* Hard work: All hard work bring a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

* Laziness: A sleeping lobster is carried away by the water current.

* Earnings: Never depend on a single source of income. [At least make your investments get you second earning.]

* Spending: If you buy things you don’t need, you’ll soon sell things you need.

* Savings: Don’t save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.

* Borrowings: The borrower becomes the lender’s slave.

* Accounting: It’s no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are leaking.

* Auditing: Beware of little expenses; a small leak can sink a large ship.

* Risk-taking: Never test the depth of the river with both feet. [Have an alternate plan ready.]

* Investment: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

I’m certain that those who have already been practicing these principles remain financially healthy. I’m equally confident that those who resolve to start practicing these principles will quickly regain their financial health.”

There is truly no short-cut to success. We all need to remind ourselves of these back-to-basic principles of life, wisdom and common sense.

Comments

30 Responses to “Common Sense for 2009”

Theresa Tan on March 10th, 2009 11:00 pm

Pastor – wise words indeed. Better check my leaking heels…

Thanks for sharing this!
Leticia on March 10th, 2009 11:29 pm

Thanks for sharing. :)
Vivienne Ho on March 10th, 2009 11:37 pm

I had been a fool in handling my finances all those years since I started working till the day I came to know Jesus in 2002. I began to learn the biblical financial principles. I did not learn it instantly though, it is a work in progress till now. I believe with God all things are possible, and I will recover from the damage done.

Thanks, Pastor, for all your teachings in church and for this sharing, I especially like the one on “Spending”. I believe I am wiser now. =)
Sarah Teo on March 11th, 2009 12:12 am

that is one awesome post..it is often the simple things that are overlooked..and the huge things that are overrated..thanks pastor:) thanks for reminding me that strength is built from the basics and common sense!:D
jesaiah24 on March 11th, 2009 12:17 am

Hi Pastor. Read your post today. the whole entire post seems so applicable to me.

My Financial situation before my elder brother passed away was always that i have little savings to go for the whole entire month, if not there are times i over spent my money and end up having to get money from my mum, which i feel that having to be in the working society for about 3 years, i’m still tapping on my mum to help me get over to the month end.

But eversince my elder brother passed away last may, things at home, in terms of financial situation, we have become more wealthier. this had made me become a “xiao fu po”. But yet i always believe in God and the bible says that if you bless others, you yourself will be blessed too.

I’ve been blessed in the area of my life where God gives me a new life to seek after Him, the ability to help and encourage my friends when they need to. In times of crisis, my colleagues were thinking how are they going to survive. But to me, everything seems normal. As long with the heart of God and Holy Spirit in me, I believe things in my life will get even better and better. Amen.

Thanks Pastor. Your first post really strikes my heart. :)
Sandra on March 11th, 2009 12:29 am

Welcome to the blogging world too, Pastor! Looking forward to reading more from you! :)
Edmund Tay on March 11th, 2009 12:49 am

Hi Pst,

Welcome to the Blogsphere!

It looks like nothing can replace hard work!

Really admire your boldness for new things and working so hard for us!

ED
Jerome Ong on March 11th, 2009 3:50 am

SP Pastor Kong Hee,

Very interesting devotion material. I lLove it.

I will try to implement these common sense principles in my life.

Thanks for sharing them with us.

Blessings,
Jerome.
Serene on March 11th, 2009 9:37 am

Pst Kong, I have always been bad in dealing with my finances. I earn about 1.1k in 2007 and I sepnt every single cent saying my pay was low. But with a pay of 1.8k in 2008, i still spend every single cent… Hope when I practicing these principles, i will quickly regain my financial health.”
Joyce on March 11th, 2009 9:52 am

Wow, most of them are found in the Bible! This makes a lot of sense.
Serene on March 11th, 2009 10:59 am

I came across a similar advice through newspaper… people often start to work OT during such crisis fearing that they may lose their job, of course some work OT simply because of freeze headcount.
Being down to earth, working hard, smart is still a way to success. Great reminder! We should all learn to be diligent worker :)
yixin on March 11th, 2009 12:34 pm

woah. great post. it can really prepare me for now & the future when i start working after graduation. thanks (:
David Loke on March 11th, 2009 1:30 pm

Thank you for sharing this =) Great stuffs!
jane on March 11th, 2009 1:30 pm

thank you for the wise advice and insight.it’s really useful and easy to apply in life especially in this period of financial uncertainty:)thanks once again!:) greatly appreciated!:)
Jin Lih on March 11th, 2009 3:43 pm

Dear Pastor Kong,

i’m currently an undergrad in my final year, going to graduate soon this May. However, I am not sure of how can I go about investing my money. Which then is the best way to pick up on investment skills to ensure that apart from my basic income (derived from my full-time job when I graduate), I can so have a second stream of earnings? Thank you.
natalie tan on March 11th, 2009 5:18 pm

Pastor, I’m really so blessed to what you have shared! Inspired me a lot…

Especially to the hard work, laziness, spending and savings! I believe this will definitely help my parents ;)
leeailin on March 11th, 2009 6:44 pm

Pastor, thanks for such wonderful sharing and i am sure with this sharing, it can help a lot of people to be in their sound financial health….Amen
Tong Yan on March 12th, 2009 4:19 pm

Hey Pastor!! Really great site you have here! Thanks for sharing so much wisdom with us, you really our hero!!

All the best in ur mission trips and God bless u always!
Li Fen on March 15th, 2009 2:20 am

wow… im blessed…
Li Fen on March 15th, 2009 2:21 am

Thanks!!! especially blessed by the part
“Borrowings: The borrower becomes the lender’s slave.”
Serah Yip on March 16th, 2009 4:34 pm

Thanks for sharing Pastor!… blessed by it! = )
shaun on March 17th, 2009 3:43 am

wow.
finny on March 17th, 2009 3:31 pm

nice msg pastor, really it’s great

by finny samuel
indai 2007 tsoa batch malaysia
Bharat on March 19th, 2009 11:34 pm

Pastor Kong,

Thanks for such an inspiring message that combines both Practicality and Biblicality . Looking forward to find wisdom in common sense this year to be triumphant on the financial hurricane and subdue its very existence with faith, hard work, diligence and prayers .

God Bless :)
Diaz on March 22nd, 2009 12:21 am

What an inspiring message !
Thanks.
Katherine Kwan on March 23rd, 2009 3:36 pm

Thank you Pastor. Great msg.Here’s some encouragement to you :
You have worked v.hard and with such passion for God’s words.Zipping around the world and bringing up a new generation worthy of God. Take care & God Bless. May Sun recover speedily
Marsha Gabriel on March 24th, 2009 2:51 am

I am extremely blessed by your ministry. Your broadcasts are an absolute blessing. You are indeed a fresh and relvant voice for this current season. Having heard you speak on the kingdom and the current season, I would love to send you a copy of my book -Leaders in Kingdom Philanthropy.

Leaders in Kingdom Philanthropy possess strong domain knowledge about kingdom economics and collaboration practices and effectiveness in business. It also involves the strong governance structure and alliance in the marketplace that contributes to business strength. And finally God’s delegated authority and monetary warriors that will gather their shields and enforce His authority in all spheres of the earth until Babylon is taken on all sides. Should you be interested please send me your postal address.

Together lets cover the earth with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.
Stay Bless
Marsha Gabriel
South Africa
khuanruethai(lily) comeform Thailand on April 29th, 2009 1:58 am

Pastor Kong Hee,

I want to practiec my English and hope I can be a holy people,

everytime I heard your message, I can wake up.

Thanks you load, Thanks Pastor kong ,

now I am a student in Taiwan in NEW LIFE CHURCH,

I hope you can go to tech in Thailand in the future.

GOD BLESS you and Sun and KongYi

sweetangel
Dary] S on June 27th, 2009 12:01 am

Waa…..aaaaaaaaaa……a…..a….aaaa……

Pastor, u have really taught mi about money mangament sia
espically the hard work to the investment part
even though i am still young, HAHA!!! =)
really TY for the GREAT msg

May God bless U
Always stay happy and cheerful, YAY!!!!
Kin on September 10th, 2009 11:28 am

What about giving back to God what belongs to Him?