Investing requires more than a paint job

This week we will put the finishing touches on our first investment property here in GA.  It is a nice little three bedroom two bath ranch home that we have already rented out to a very nice couple at a healthy return on our investment.

This month we will close on two more properties with plans to do two a month for the next two years.   But this post isn’t really about residential real estate.

As you can see from the above photos, a good paint job can accomplish alot.  However if you would look on the inside of this property at the time these photos were shot you would find a quite uninhabitable place.  No carpets, no countertops, and lots of dirt.  As I did my final run through with my contractor for the interior today I was reminded of how much easier it is in life to just throw a fresh coat of paint on the outside of life while the interior remains uninhabitable to God. 

It was this thought that reminded me of a great truth regarding any truly significant change I have experienced in my life.  Here it is, are you ready.  Only God can change a life.  Got it – it’s that simple and it’s that spiritual.  However, it’s not as nebulous as just “let go and let God” and all that other hyper spiritual babble.  Life change is also very practical.  God points out the key to truly changing one’s life in Romans 1:1-2 where he reveals that transformation comes only as a result of changing (renewing) ones thoughts. 

What you think and the way you think about it determines who you are.

For me it’s as simple as this:  Your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your character, and your character determines your destiny.

Have a character flaw – don’t paint your house - change your thoughts.

How bought we both go to bed and get up in the morning to see what God thinks.

Night – Josh