Bruxy Cavey, a teacher at The Meeting House recently said, “We are all discipled by someone,” and it really made me consider the truth of that statement, especially as it relates to my work in the financial industry. The sources of media that we subject ourselves to play such a significant role in shaping who we are as individuals and professionals.

Almost 30 years ago, in the Spring of 1991, I entered the financial industry. By the mid 1990’s, it was clear to me that if I was to build a career in this industry, further education would be important and I began the journey toward my Certified Financial Planner® designation. Continuing Education (CE) is a requirement in many professions today, and rightfully so, because things are constantly changing.

In order to maintain my CFP® designation, I have to earn a minimum of 25 CE hours annually. In essence, this means that my profession, or my designation, compels me to keep my knowledge current. The CE hours obtained means I fulfill my annual education requirement but, more importantly, it also means that I am being discipled by someone!

Thus far in 2021, the instruction in the following verse has been challenging me:

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3:2 CSB

The instruction in the previous verse is to “Seek the things above,” yet, we are living on this earth and we must stay current with the industry of which we are a part. We all choose the “someone” who disciples us; the twelve disciples accepted Christ’s offer. Today, as Christ-followers, we must choose who will disciple us.

I am so grateful for Kingdom Advisors because it exposes me to the “Christian Financial Industry” where I can choose to earn my required industry CE in the context of my faith! This helps me “set my mind” based on the “wisdom that comes from above” rather than “earthly wisdom” (James 3:15-17). When it comes to financial planning, much of the wisdom shared by professionals is earthly, even if they happen to be Christian. Earthly wisdom is defined by James as “unspiritual, based on selfish ambition…including envy” (3:15-16). The dictionary defines envy as “a feeling of discontent or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions.” Catering to selfish desires is one of the easiest traps to fall into.

What I am instructed to do as a follower of Christ is to seek the things above and set my mind there. That’s not an easy task and will not happen without intentionality. When I do this, the result is that my advice will be based on the wisdom that comes from above –

“pure, peace-loving, gentle, willing to yield to others, full of mercy and good deeds, showing no favouritism and always sincere.”

James 3:17 NLT

Are you a Christian Financial professional? If so, where are you finding your required industry CE? Does it include wisdom that comes from above? Do you realize that where you obtain your CE actually disciples you?

Register now for the KA Annual Conference because that wisdom is priceless!

Please use CONF21CANADA discount code when you register for 10% off.