July 7, 2025
By Dr. Cindy H. Carr
One of the most challenging parts of running a small business is learning how to manage the cash flow. It’s so tempting—especially in those early years—to see a big check come in and think, “Wow, look at all that money!” But if you’re running a business, that money doesn’t all belong to you.
The Illusion of the Big Check
When you own a small business, every dollar has a purpose before it ever hits your account. You’re paying employees, covering insurance, managing vendors, buying materials, paying taxes, and keeping the lights on.
It takes discipline to remember that just because the deposit clears doesn’t mean you can spend it. And that discipline—especially early on—can make or break your business.
Learning to separate your money from the company’s money was one of the hardest but
most essential lessons Dubby and I learned in those early years.
The Temptation to Reward Yourself Too Soon
When you’re working long hours, making sacrifices, and finally see some fruit from your
labor, it’s easy to want to celebrate. Maybe it’s a new truck, a weekend trip, or that one thing you’ve been putting off buying.
But here’s the truth: if the business isn’t yet stable, those purchases can become traps. It’s
easy to reward yourself before you’ve actually earned the right to.
We live in a world that celebrates instant gratification. Kids get participation trophies, and
adults are surrounded by “buy now, pay later” ads that make it feel normal to live beyond
our means. But business doesn’t work that way.
No one builds a lasting company expecting a participation trophy. Success in business takes time, focus, and restraint. You have to be willing to delay gratification and steward your resources wisely.
Credit: A Tool or a Trap
Credit can be one of the most powerful financial tools available—but also one of the most dangerous.
When used correctly, it can help bridge a gap or open new opportunities. But used
carelessly, it becomes quicksand. For small businesses, especially, easy access to credit can feel like relief in the short term but often leads to long-term bondage.
Early on, Dubby and I made a decision to be cautious with credit. We learned that the
money flowing through our business was not our money—it was the company’s
responsibility, God’s provision, and the community’s trust.
Learning to Manage Money Before It Manages You
Money has a way of controlling people who don’t control it. Whether in business, family, or
personal finances, the principle is the same: you must learn to manage money before money manages you.
That means being intentional. It means knowing your numbers. It means saving when it’s
tempting to spend and staying humble when it’s easy to feel successful.
And above all, it means remembering Who ultimately provides it all.
A Scripture to Anchor This
“Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV)
Faithful stewardship is the secret to longevity in business. It’s not about how much you
make; it’s about how well you manage what you’ve been given.
The Takeaway
If you’re dreaming of owning a business or already running one, remember this simple
truth: The money that flows through your hands isn’t all yours—use it wisely.
Be a faithful steward. Take care of your team. Pay your vendors. Save for lean seasons.
Then, when the time is right, God Himself will bless you with abundance you’re ready to
handle.
Because the truth is—That is not your money.
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