In this new year, there are two goals that are at the top of my list: health and wealth! It is important to me, being the daughter of a sharecropper, having picked cotton and put in tobacco, picked corn, you name it, and my family did this type of work, just trying to make ends meet, working like we were still enslaved.
We did not learn what we needed to learn about how to have good health, thus the reason I have written my series on Type 2 diabetes. If I can help somebody along the way, then my living shall not be in vain. My family did not understand health, which is why Type 2 diabetes devastated my sweet mother. She lost both legs, had a lot of strokes, she was on kidney dialysis, had high blood pressure, and the rest. Health was a topic we did not understand; in fact, we didn’t even have health insurance back in the 1950s and ’60s. You will be hearing more about health and wealth in this column.
This week, I’m going with financial security. It is not a matter of luck; it is a matter of stewardship and planning. This is an explanation of how important it is for each of us to understand that wealth is a tool that must be managed correctly through 12 essential pillars of richness, which have been shared with you many times in this column. Today, I am not sharing the 12 principles; however, this column emphasizes that whatever amount of finances or whatever it is you are going after — whether that is to write a book, make a movie, become a leader in your community, whatever it is you want to do — you must believe it will work for you, and know it is yours, provided you align your actions with your beliefs.
This expanded reflection incorporates the teachings I have been writing over the years, emphasizing the intersection of faith, discipline, and practical wisdom. It frames these principles not just as advice, but as a spiritual architecture for a life of purpose.
The Architecture of a Disciplined Soul requires more than just good intentions; it requires a structural commitment to the way we handle our minds, our time, and our resources. It is about moving from a life of passive existence to one of active, disciplined creation.
The Power of Routine and Discipline: Before diving into the specific principles, we must address the foundation:
Discipline: True discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. It is the choice to stick to a routine rather than succumbing to the urge to “shut down” at the end of a long day. When you come home and choose to engage with your growth — whether through study, prayer, or planning — rather than retreating into exhaustion, you are asserting mastery over your destiny. Discipline is the evidence of your commitment to the future God has promised you.
The Sweetness of Wisdom and Understanding: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” — Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is more than just “knowing things.” It is the divine ability to discern the hearts of others and the true nature of circumstances. Principle 11 teaches us that wisdom is the ultimate tool for navigating human relationships and personal growth.
• Wisdom as a Source of Hope: According to Proverbs 24:14, wisdom is “sweet to your soul.” It provides a sense of peace that transcends current struggles because it offers a “future hope.” When you operate from a place of wisdom, you aren’t easily rattled by temporary setbacks. You know that your hope “will not be cut off” because it is rooted in eternal truths rather than fleeting emotions.
• The Depth of Understanding: It isn’t enough to simply have facts; you must seek understanding. This means developing empathy and insight into why people act the way they do. With wisdom, you can navigate conflicts with grace, lead others with compassion, and make decisions that stand the test of time.
The Insight: Wisdom is your internal compass. Without it, you are drifting. With it, every step you take is firm and directed toward your divine purpose.
The Markers of a Rich Life
To feel truly rich, one must organize their life so that anxiety over “lack” is replaced by the confidence of “plenty.” This is achieved through:
• Impeccable Organization: Keeping bills paid and credit ratings strong isn’t just about math; it’s about integrity and peace of mind.
• Savings and Strategy: Having a “buffer” allows you to act from a place of power rather than a place of desperation.
• Entrepreneurial Vision: Working toward your goals as a businessman or creator in some form allows you to tap into the infinite flow of value-creation.
The Warning: The Mental Block to Wealth
You cannot get wealth and keep it if you carry a negative mental attitude. Wealth is an energy that responds to the environment of your mind.
• The Health Connection: How can you enjoy or manage wealth if your body is failing due to neglect? True riches include the vitality to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
• The Law of Harmony: This is perhaps the most vital takeaway. You cannot expect to become wealthy while working in opposition to others. “Forget about it!” the principle warns. To achieve greatness, you must work with people, not against them. Success is a collaborative effort. Competition breeds scarcity, but harmony breeds abundance.
The Call to Action: Just Do It: Reviewing these principles is only the first step. Information without application is merely entertainment. To see the change in your life, you must embody these truths.
• Review: Go over these principles daily until they become part of your subconscious.
• Reflect: Ask yourself where you are resisting discipline or where you are lacking harmony with others.
• Execute: “Finally, just do it! Make that change!”
Stop waiting for the “perfect time” to be disciplined. Stop waiting for wealth to find you while you harbor a negative attitude. Align your routine with your wisdom, and your wisdom with your work. When you do this, your hope will never be cut off, and your future will be as bright as the promises of Scripture.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.