The disciples in the early church were making waves by doing uncommon things, like healing the sick and leading thousands to Christ. In an effort to suppress their influence, religious leaders arrested them and put them in “a common prison” (Acts 5:12–18). I believe today in the heart of every person there is still a struggle against this prison called “common.” Too many people are being held there, either by their own perspective or because of the labels others have placed on them. But just like the disciples, you are not average. You aren’t ordinary. And you’re far from common.
Your habits, often called spiritual disciplines, are the key to living out this uncommon life of a revolutionary. When you’ve come from a life of addiction and have seen what negative habits can do to a person, you realize that unless you develop new habits, you might end up in the place you were before. When I became a Christian, I knew that unless I changed my habits I wasn’t going to make it. I began to pray a simple prayer that helped me create new habits of the heart: Lord, give me a hunger and desire for You and Your Word. I am still feeling the ripple effect of this prayer today.
That prayer launched me into a passion for reading His Word in any form I could get into my hands. I would buy and borrow books to keep my heart saturated in His Word. I traded my habit of collecting records and memorizing beats for collecting biblical commentaries and memorizing Scripture. Instead of staying up late to party, I was now staying up late to study Greek and Hebrew. To the amazement of my family, I filled my room with books to read instead of records to play. The ironic part of this new habit was that, in elementary school, reading was not my strongest subject, to say the least. I developed a passion for reading and studying that today has served me well. Through those early days, I learned that developing healthy heart habits, as part of a lifestyle, is vital to maintaining your passion and fire to live, lead, and love from the heart.
- Excerpt from The Heart Revolution book by Sergio De La Mora. Purchase your book today from Amazon.com
If we’re going to be good stewards of what God has given us, we need to have a plan for the money entrusted to us. After giving God His 10 percent, give your future 10 percent as well by setting it aside in a savings account that you are committed not to touch. Make saving a core value for your family. Then begin to pay off the necessary bills such as your mortgage or rent, food, and utilities.
Most often the problem is how we prioritize our money. Planning and continually reviewing your spending habits bring accountability and partnership into your marriage. And these two elements bring unity and agreement, which in turn attracts the presence and blessings of God. Maybe you never thought of applying this basic principle to the wise use of finances in your marriage. Let me remind you of Jesus’ words about the power of agreement:
[Jesus said,] “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matt. 18:19–20 NIV)
When people develop the disciplines of wisely saving, giving, investing, and spending, an amazing thing happens in their hearts. They know they are obeying God, so they feel closer to Him. They develop confidence in themselves, in their spouse, and in their future. Tithing is no longer a burden or an obligation, but a way to express gratitude to God and partner with Him in changing people’s lives. Stress levels that were once out of control because of debt and careless spending now subside, and the whole family can enjoy a sense of peace.
- Excerpt from The Heart Revolution book by Sergio De La Mora. Purchase your book today from Amazon.com
I know what it feels like to be scripted. While I was growing up, my parents had a script for my life that protected me when I found myself lost in another script of the neighborhood gang. My father had a dream that his children would take over his landscape design business and experience greater success than even he had seen. Both my parents saw my future in the family business, but I struggled to believe it was the right path for me. Yet even when I was trying to go my own way, they never once wavered or gave up on the script they had for me. They continued to believe in me and gave me room to assimilate the character God had shown them inside me. They could see greatness within me, but I struggled to see it. They had to trust that God’s script would resonate louder than the script of my friends.
At seventeen, I didn’t understand that going to work on the weekends with my dad was doing more for me than just teaching me the family business. I couldn’t see the diligence, excellence, and responsibility being molded into me. All I knew was that every Saturday and every summer vacation I was going to be with my dad mowing lawns, digging ditches, and planting plants at some mansion in Santa Barbara. But now I can see how the ink from God’s pen was constructing the storyline of my life. Every experience growing up would soon find its place in my destiny as an adult. I encourage you to trust the hand of Him whom you have trusted with your heart.
One day on the driveway of our home, I shared with my dad the news that my employment application was being considered at the city building department. I proudly explained that I would be making twelve dollars an hour instead of the six I was making with him. I was confident he would share in my pride and joy as I pursued a successful career just as he had done. Why would it matter if I was working for someone else? Surely he would just be proud of my decision not to settle for minimum wage. Success was important to him, so I eagerly awaited his approval.
My father sighed as he looked at me and said in Spanish, “Sergio, you’re going to be making twelve dollars an hour working for another company when you could be making an unlimited amount working for yourself. This business is yours. Everything I do is for all of you. Don’t you see you’re already a millionaire?”
That statement infuriated me because I didn’t feel like a millionaire. And when I read my bank statement, I knew I wasn’t! But what my dad said next revolutionized my mentality about the acquisition of wealth. He said, “You’re the boss here. What boss leaves his position to become someone else’s worker? Think bigger, Sergio.”
I was stunned at his words. In my father’s script, I was the boss. In my script, I was the worker. His words changed everything for me that day. I refused the position with the city, took the pay cut, and never again questioned whether I was doing the right thing or making enough money. Over time my brothers and sisters came together in taking over my family’s business, fulfilling my father’s dream. Today, I’m proud to say that my father’s script of success for his children is being carried out.
- Excerpt from The Heart Revolution book by Sergio De La Mora. Purchase your book today from Amazon.com
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