Today's Story
Money management a difficult lesson for NFL's rookie class
Wanted: A hot-shot athlete to star in the NFL. Fame included. Other perks involve fat paychecks, big houses, luxury cars, mega fans and VIP lists. Survive camp, make the big plays and you're home free.
Or maybe not.
As they begin life in the NFL, rookies also can ponder sobering fine print that tempers the allure of becoming rich and famous.
They could also wind up broke.
"I hope they save their money," says Keyshawn Johnson, former No. 1 pick, "and realize the NFL means Not For Long."
The average NFL career is just 3½ years. Yet the sweat equity routinely produces instant millionaires. The league's average salary in 2009 was $1.9 million. The $325,000 rookie minimum? That's seven times the average starting salary for a college graduate.
Despite such cash flow, there is no shortage of current and former NFL players — like examples in other sports — stung by financial distress. Some have blown millions, even while aligned with financial advisors. Indulgent spending, poor investments, off-the-field transgressions and unscrupulous business practices are typical factors.
Click here for full artilce at www.usatoday.com.
Photo found at www.usatoday.com.
God's Story
Mark 12:41-44 (ESV)
The Widow’s Offering
41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about managing money?
When it comes to managing our money on God's terms, it basically comes down to giving. Giving money back to God that He has blessed us with in the first plance. And God doesn't so much look at how much we give in terms of the amount, but He does look at our motives. When the woman in God's Story came she didn't let anyone distract her or discourage her. She wasn't holding anything back from God. Why? Because of her love for him. So what about you? Are you holding back? Are you spending your money on yourself or are you giving it to further God's Kingdom efforts in your community and the world? And when you give, is it out of your love for the Father?
My Story
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to my life?
Be honest and ask yourself these questions:
- Am I giving all that I have to give, just like the widow did?
- When Jesus looks inside me, does He see a generous heart?
If you're struggling with attitudes of greed or self-righteousness, spend some time this weekend connecting with Jesus by surrendering your desires and thoughts to Him. Write them down and give them to Jesus.
Their Story
How can I connect today's story, my story, and God's Story to others?
- When you look at others, put judgments aside and value them like Jesus does.
- Do you know someone in your neighborhood who is struggling to make ends meet? Talk with your family about preparing a meal for them over the weekend.
- With Back-to-School time around the corner, consider giving some of your
own money to purchase school supplies for students in need of
assistance.
(adapted from
God's Story, Youth for Christ/USA, Crossway Books)
About Daily Devos
The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.
YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries
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