your money and your life

8/3/2019 Your Money and Your Life

1/92

2000 by The NavigatorsAll rights reserved. Permission is granted to download and print one copy to use with a study group.

Your Money and Your Life

A Discipleship Journal Bible Study


2/92

NAVPRESS1BRINGING TRUTH TO LIFE

P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80935

B Y S U E K L I N E

A Discipleship JournalBible Study onManaging Money Biblically

YOUR MONEYAND YOUR LIFE


3/92

The Navigators is an international Christian organization. Our mission is to reach, disciple, and equippeople to know Christ and to make Him known through successive generations. We envision multitudesof diverse people in the United States and every other nation who have a passionate love for Christ, live alifestyle of sharing Christs love, and multiply spiritual laborers among those without Christ.

NavPress is the publishing ministry of The Navigators. NavPress publications help believers learn biblicaltruth and apply what they learn to their lives and ministries. Our mission is to stimulate spiritual forma-tion among our readers.

2000 by The Navigators

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permis-sion from NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.

www.navpress.com

ISBN 1-57683-166-3

Cover illustration by John Maggard

Cover design by Dan Jamison

Creative Team: Eric Stanford, Marla Kennedy, Lori Mitchell, Vickie Howard

Unless otherwise identified, all Scripture quotations in this publication are taken from the Holy Bible: NewInternational Version (NIV). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by per-mission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Other versions used include: The Message:New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs (MSG) by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995,

used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group; the New American Standard Bible (NASB), copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977; The Living Bible (TLB),copyright 1971, used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, all rightsreserved; the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), copyright 1989, by the Division of ChristianEducation of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, used by permission, all rightsreserved; The New Testament in Modern English (PH), J. B. Phillips Translator, copyright J. B. Phillips1958, 1960, 1972, used by permission of Macmillan Publishing Company; The Holy Bible, New CenturyVersion copyright 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas 75039. Used by permission; TheNew English Bible (NEB), copyright 1961, 1970, The Delegates of the Oxford University Press and TheSyndics of the Cambridge University Press; and the King James Version (KJV). Scripture quotations marked(NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission ofTyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 / 04 03 02 01 00

FOR A FREE CATALOG OFNAVPRESS BOOKS & BIBLE STUDIES,

CALL 1-800-366-7788 (USA)OR 1-416-499-4615 (CANADA)

Our Guarantee to You

We believe so strongly in the message of our books that weare making this quality guarantee to you. I f for any reasonyou are disappointed with the content of this book, returnthe title page to us with your name and address and we willrefund to you the list price of the book. To help us serveyou better, please briefly describe why you were disap-pointed. Mail your refund request to: NavPress, P.O. Box35002, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.


4/92

Contents

Introduction 5

SESSION

1 Material World 7

2 I Cant Get No Satisfaction 19

3 Land of the Free, Part 1 31

4 Land of the Free, Part 2 41

5 The Habit of the Wise 51

6 What Do I Do with All This Stuff? 61

7 Moneys Kingdom Power 73

8 Your Money and Your Life 87


5/92

Introduction

Money MadnessMoney. We love it; we hate it. It makes our lives easier; it compli-

cates our lives. It allows us to help spread the gospel; it distracts usfrom truly living for Christ. Even Jesus seemed ambiguous aboutmoney at times. On one occasion He called it mammonan idol.On another, He told His listeners to use money to make friends.

Is it any wonder that we struggle to discern moneys place in ourlives?

Over the years, Discipleship Journal has published a number ofarticles that address the topics of money and possessions. This

study compiles some of those significant articles and combinesthem with discussion questions and innovative learning activitiesthat will help you discover how to handle your wealthgreat orsmallin Christ-honoring ways.

As you interact with the articles, questions, and activities, youllexamine the following questions about your money and yourstuff:

What is materialism, and how do I know if I ammaterialistic?

When does a longing for more turn into greed? How can I learn true contentment?What principles from the Bible can set me on the road to

financial freedom? If I save money, am I failing to trust God? For what should I be saving, and how am I supposed to

save when I cant even make ends meet? Ive got a lot of nice things. Does that make me unspiritual? How can I use my money and possessions in ways that will

be eternally significant?

5


6/92

6

How This Study Guide Works

This Discipleship Journal Bible study may look a little different fromstudy guides you have used in the past. In addition to the Scripture

that youll be looking at in each article, weve combed throughissues ofDiscipleship Journal magazine and selected some of thebest articles on a variety of topics essential to living life as a discipleof Christ in todays world.

This combination of Scripture texts and the sharpened insightsof experienced communicators should give you plenty to contem-plate as you discover what it means to follow Jesus in your lifesituation. The idea is to help you to be a doer of the Word and

not merely a hearer ( James 1:22, NRSV).Not all questions incorporate specific verses of Scripture, but

they all are intended to help you think through what it means toapply biblical truth. Sometimes that will involve changing the wayyou think, and often it will mean changing the way you act.

This study guide is designed to be used either individually or ina small-group setting. (Your experience will likely be enhanced by

the input, perspective, and prayers of like-minded believers.) Evenif you work on this study on your own, we encourage you to shareyour insights and discoveries with someone who can helpsharpen you in your walk with God (see Proverbs 27:17).

Our prayer is that Gods Word will both challenge and encour-age you as you seek to follow Him with all your heart and with allyour soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (Mark12:30).


7/92

1Material World

In an introduction to the article that follows, Steve Thurman wrote,

An old Jack Benny skit illustrates many peoples attitudestoward money. Jack is walking along when suddenly anarmed robber approaches him and demands, Your moneyor your life!

There is a long pause. Finally the robber impatientlyasks, Well?Dont rush me, Benny replies. Im thinking about it.

We laugh at such irrational behavior, but some of us maylaugh a little nervously! We live in an age when life withoutmoney is unthinkable. And in many ways, money is essential forlife. It buys us food and drink to sustain life. It pays for shelter

and clothing to protect us from the elements. Without it, wewould be unable to obtain medical care, acquire an education,and so on.

If we cannot live without money, then how do we learn to livewith money? The following article, entitled Life, Liberty, and thePursuit of Just a Little More by Steve Thurman (excerpted fromIssue 53), will give us some guidelines for living with money with-out falling in love with it.

As you work through this study and the ones that follow, youmay find it works best to read the article once without stopping toanswer the questions. Underline any portions that stand out to you.Then read the article a second time, responding to the related ques-tions and exercises as you go.

7

SESSION


8/92

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Just a LittleMoreMadness about money. Its everywhere. Few, if any, escape its grasp.Advertisements convince us that we must have it all, and state lot-teries promise us that we can have it all now.

And the problem is not just out there in the world some-where. The bride of Christ herself has focused much of her attentionon the things of this world, much to the grief of her Lord. Some ofus love money. We love the things it will buy. We love the comfortand the pleasure we think it will bring into our lives.

1. a. When you hear the word money, what emotions do you feel?

b. Now ask three other people (preferably at least onenonChristian) the same question and record their responses.

2. Steve Thurman says even followers of Christ are too in lovewith money. Do you agree? Why or why not?

DJ

8


9/92

We call this money madness materialism. And though theScriptures do not give us a definition, you might be surprised at howbiblically some of our secular dictionaries define the problem.Listen to Websters Third New International Dictionary: Materialism isa preoccupation with, or tendency to seek after or stress materialrather than spiritual things. My childrens Thorndike and BarnhartJunior Dictionary defines a materialist as a person who cares toomuch for the things of this world and neglects spiritual needs.Someone at Webster and at Thorndike and Barnhart has been read-ing the Bible!

A materialist is preoccupied with the things of this world. Hespends his days dreaming only of the next acquisition. And he isfrustrated if he cant get what he wants when he wants it.

For the materialist, life is a preoccupation with jewelry, or land-scaping, or remodeling the home, or trips abroad, or nice cars, or abusiness deal. Life revolves around these things. He is obsessedwith the stuff of life.

3. a. This description of a materialist sounds a lot like somepeople Jesus described in Luke 8:4-8,11-15. What phrasedescribes the people in verse 14?

b. What similarities do you find between this description andSteve Thurmans description of a materialist?

c. From this parable, what is one danger of being materialistic?

DJ

9


10/92

d. Have you seen this occur in your life? If so, describe the situ-ation.

Look at the picture Jesus paints of a materialist in Luke 12:16-21:

The ground of a certain rich man produced a goodcrop. He thought to himself, What shall I do? I have no

place to store my crops.Then he said, This is what Ill do. I will tear down my

barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all mygrain and my goods. And Ill say to myself, You haveplenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy;eat, drink and be merry.

But God said to him, You fool! This very night your

life will be demanded from you. Then who will get whatyou have prepared for yourself?This is how it will be with anyone who stores up

things for himself but is not rich toward God.

There he isa man not rich toward God, a man preoccupiedwith treasure for himself. The spiritual dimension is set aside, thekingdom of God is given second place to the kingdom of this

world. This is the materialist.

4. Most of Jesus parables contain an element of surprise, an ahamoment when what you expect does not occur. In this parable,the aha is in verse 20: But God said to him, You fool! Thisvery night your life will be demanded from you. Then who willget what you have prepared for yourself? Why might it comeas a surprise to Jesus listeners to hear God call this man a fool?How does that go against conventional wisdom?

DJ

10


11/92

5. Look at the use of I and my in this story. What do theyreveal about the mans attitude toward his wealth?

6. How do you think Jesus would respond to the modern sloganThe one who dies with the most toys wins?

7. The following verses describe other prosperous people whoacted like fools. Match the verses on the left with the fool-

ish behaviors on the right by drawing lines between them.

Deuteronomy 6:10-12 complacency

Proverbs 1:32 self-sufficiency

Proverbs 18:11 forgetting God

James 4:13-16 misplaced trust

Revelation 3:17 overconfidence

in the future

8. Which of these attitudes toward wealth have you observed inyour own life or in the lives of those around you? Give arecent example. (Or think about examples from movies,television shows, or advertising.)

11


12/92

9. Gods complaint against the farmer in the parable is not thathe is rich, but that he is not rich toward God. How mightsomeone rich toward God have behaved differently?

10. What are some ways you try to be rich toward God withyour money and possessions?

Its important to note that materialism is not merepossession of

material things but obsession with them. Thats the distinction wemust make in our minds.Furthermore, materialism is not just the disease of the rich.

Rich and poor alike can be obsessed with having more and havingit now. Bible teacher Howard Hendricks puts it like this: Materi-alism has nothing to do with the amount. It has everything to dowith attitude.

In 1 Timothy 6:17 we see the attitude of preoccupation with

money and material things. Paul wrote, Command those who arerich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hopein wealth. Notice he did not say, Command the rich to get rid oftheir wealth. He did not say, Command the rich to feel guiltyabout being wealthy. He didnt say any of those things. He said,Command the rich not to put their hope in wealth.

Thats materialismputting hope in riches instead of in God.You may be frustrated by this definition of materialism. Why?

Because there is no formula by which to judge when we havecrossed the line. We want numbers or categories: Oh yeah, hesmaterialistic. He just paid ______ for his house. Or, Shes not richtoward God; she owns a fur coat! Or, Yep, he just crossed theline. He bought a Cadillac.

DJ

12


13/92

But it doesnt work that way. Thats not in the Scriptures.Materialism is not a number. It isnt determined by how much orhow little we have. Its a matter of the heart.

11. Do you agree that materialism has nothing to do with theamount? Why or why not?

12. By what standards do you tend to measure a persons materi-alism (for example, $500,000 house, fur coat, Cadillac)?

13. How does 1 Samuel 16:7 support the articles position that aperson cannot be labeled as materialistic based solely on whathe or she owns?

If materialism is so subjective, what are some of its warningsignals? Let me share a few of mine.

When I go from managing my money to being anxious overit, I know I have crossed the line into materialism.

When I compare what others have with what I have, I knowIm on the wrong track.

When I begin to lose appreciation for what the Lord hasalready given mewhen I begin to focus on what I donthaveI know I am preoccupied with material things.

When I focus on keeping rather than giving, on building

DJ

13


14/92

my little financial empire rather than reducing it for some-one elses good, then I know I am caring too much for thematerial over the spiritual.

These are the warning lights on my spiritual dashboard. Whenthey start flashing, Id better check under the hood. My conscienceis muddied, my Lord is grieved, and I can feel it in my spirit.

14. The author gives four warning signs of materialism: worry,envy, ingratitude, and stinginess. Circle the one youencounter most often in your life.

15. What circumstances are most likely to cause you to worry,envy, be ungrateful, or be stingy?

16. a. Look up the verses below that relate to the warning sign youwrote down.

WorryMatthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7 EnvyProverbs 14:30; James 3:13-17 IngratitudeDeuteronomy 8:10; Romans 1:21; Colossians

3:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

StinginessProverbs 11:24-25; Luke 12:33; Acts 20:35

b. Do the verses youve read contain any warnings? Record whatyou found in the space below.

c. Did they suggest any new behaviors or attitudes to adopt?

14


15/92

d. Was any promise of blessing for obedience mentioned?

17. The next time you find yourself giving in to worry, envy,ingratitude, or stinginess, what could you do differently?

The good news is that we arent doomed to materialism. We canchoose another road. Look at 1 Timothy 6:6-8: Godliness withcontentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world,and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing,we will be content with that.

Albert Schweitzer was a medical missionary who died in 1965at the age of ninety. His standard attire was a white pith helmet,

white shirt and pants, and a black tie. He had worn one hat forforty years, the tie for twenty.Told one day that some men owned dozens of neckties,

Schweitzer remarked, For one neck?Imagine what our lives would be like if we were preoccupied

with goodness and simplicity and the Lord Jesus Christ instead ofwith money and the stuff it buys!

18. How might a focus on godliness instead of wealth affect thefollowing aspects of life? Be specific.

Family relationships

Worship

Work

Leisure

Personal ministry

DJ

15


16/92

I assume that you, like me, will not walk away from readingthis with the problem of materialism solved. The process of over-coming money madness will take more than an overnight prayer,reading this article, or hearing a good sermon.

I find hope in something Paul wrote in Philippians 4:12-13: Iknow what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situa-tion, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or inwant. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Did you catch it? Paul learned to be content in the circumstances

of life, rich or poor. And he learned how to do this in relationshipwith Him who strengthens. Let us go and do the same.

19. The author ends his article on a note of hope. Restate thebasis of his hope in your own words.

20. What words of encouragement do the following verses offerthose who are trying to resist the pull of materialism and

focus on living for Christ?

2 Corinthians 12:9

Philippians 4:13

2 Peter 1:3-4

1 John 5:3-5

DJ

16


17/92

21. Glance back at what you have discovered in this session.What is the most important insight you have gained?

22. What concrete step(s) can you take to reinforce the lessonsfrom this session?

Parting Thought

Ultimately, worshiping mammon means worshiping self. Forwe covet wealth not for its own sake, but for our benefit. And

that perspective betrays a broader and deeper attitude: every-thing, we think, exists to serve us. Thus we put ourselves in theplace of God, for whose pleasure all things were created(Revelation 4:11).

E. Calvin Beisner, The Idol of Mammon, Issue 40

17


18/92

2I Cant Get No Satisfaction

How much is enough? Lets face it, living in the materialistic worldas we do, we can find it hard to rid ourselves entirely of that nag-ging longing for more. Is it possible to be truly, deeply satisfied?

The Bible speaks of something wonderful called contentment.Have you found contentment to be elusive? In our next article,entitled Eager for More by Tricia McCary Rhodes (excerpted

from Issue 112), the author argues that contentment is not possibleuntil we ask ourselves some searching questions.

Eager for MoreMost of us dont see ourselves as greedy. Few of us aspire to be mil-lionaires. But we all have those pervasive if only dreams: If only Imade a little more money. If only I had a more reliable car, a faster

computer, a better job. If only we could take that vacation. How doesthis continual wish for more fit with biblical admonitions to becontent with what we have?

1. What do you think would satisfy you? To help you answerthat question, fill in the following blanks:

If only I had .

If only I could .

If only I didnt .

If only I wasnt .

DJ

19

SESSION


19/92

2. Do you know a contented person? How would you describehim or her?

The Greek wordpleonexias comes from two root words mean-ing eager to hold more in quantity or quality. It is most oftentranslated greed (or, in some versions, covetousness). To be eager formore is to be greedy. The degree to which we fill that desire maydepend on our income (or our credit rating), but the Bible warns

against an inner discontent that says we just dont have enough. InLuke 12:15 Jesus alerts us, Watch out! Be on your guard againstall kinds of greed; a mans life does not consist in the abundance ofhis possessions. Both Ephesians 5:3 and Colossians 3:5 list greedamong behaviors and attitudes that are part of our old life and dontbelong among Gods holy people.

3. How does Jesus statement that a mans life does not consistin the abundance of his possessions challenge contemporaryvalues and lifestyles?

4. Read Ephesians 5:3 and Colossians 3:5. What other behaviorsare listed in these verses alongside greed?

5. Are you surprised that greed is placed in such bad com-pany? Why or why not?

DJ

20


20/92

The Israelites knew well the powerand the consequencesofgreed. Two years into the wilderness, they tired of manna (Numbers11:1-4). God was so angry at their discontent that He sent blazingfire around their camp. Then He gave them what they wanted, inironic abundance and promised theyd be so sick of quail that itwould come out of their noses. While they were still chewing themeat, He sent a plague to destroy the complainers. Their burial spotwas called Kibroth Hattaavah, the place of greediness.

6. Psalm 106:13-15 is a commentary on what happened in thewilderness. What fed the Israelites greed (v. 14)?

7. Is there something youve been craving lately? If so, what is it?

8. a. Make a list of some of the things God has done for you.

b. Record how making the list affected the craving you wrotedown in question seven.

DJ

21


21/92

Scripture paints a graphic picture of greeds slippery slope.

If we have food and covering, with these we shall be con-tent. But those who want to get rich fall into temptationand a snare and many foolish and harmful desires whichplunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love ofmoney is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing forit have wandered away from the faith, and pierced them-selves with many a pang. (1 Timothy 6:8-10, NASB)

Paul defines rich by contrasting it with lifes primitive needs.He does not say wealth is sinful, nor does he define how much isenough. But he does imply that if our basic needs of food, shelter,and clothing are met, it is wrong to live in a state of discontent.

9. What is your gut response to Pauls instruction to be con-tent with food and covering?

10. Paul said that wanting to get rich leads to nothing buttrouble. Proverbs 15:27 describes one area of life that canbe affected by greed. What is it?

11. How might a persons greed bring trouble to an entire family?

An eager or anxious longing for more than what God hasprovided catapults us into Satans domain where we are ripe fortemptation. Greed leads to immersion in a worldview that is hard

DJ

DJ

22


22/92

to resist. Traps await us at every turn, and before long, foolish andharmful desires pierce our hearts, robbing us of the joy of our faith.

12. a. Luke 4:5-8 describes one of the ways in which Satan temptedJesus. According to these verses, what did he offer Jesus?

b. How did Jesus respond to this offer of power and wealth?

13. When we are tempted by greed, what comfort can we drawfrom Hebrews 2:18?

How do we know if our spending or our desires reflect greed?Because the answers come in shades of gray rather than black

or white, many of us dont even ask the questions. Yet it is criticalthat we do, given the strong admonitions in Scripture. In fact, asChristians, we should confront the issue of greed almost daily.

One way to do so is to pause and reflect before we purchaseanything beyond basic necessities. Why am I buying this? Whatneed am I meeting? Is there a deeper source of longing Im notaware of?

We are needy people. Satan knows this and constantly tossesout bait designed to lure us into his schemes. Recognizing his strat-egy is key to avoiding sinful greed. What is that strategy? To appealto the lust of our flesh, the lust of our eyes, and the pride of life(1 John 2:16, KJV).

DJ

23


23/92

14. Think back on the last purchase you made that you regretted.What was it? What questions did you ask yourself before youbought that item? Are there questions you wish you had

asked? What are they?

The Lust of the Flesh: What Satisfies You?Within each of us is an indefinable thirst, a feeling that things arentas they should be. When Jesus stood up shortly before His deathand cried out, If any man is thirsty . . . [John 7:37, NASB], it was asetup. He knew they were thirsty, because He had made them thatway so they would come to Him and drink.

Spiritual thirst, if misdirected, turns into lust of the flesha

desire for sensual pleasure. The gratification of these lusts is shortlived, and so we seek more, plunging us into a downward spiral ofdiscontent and dissatisfaction.

Author Rodney Clapp stated that the Industrial Revolution inAmerica brought the capability of creating enormous quantities ofproductmore than we could ever use. This overabundancespawned modern advertising, a tool designed to create need inpeoples minds.

Today, hundreds of ads bombard us in ways we probably donteven realize, telling us were missing something. Clapp calls this theconstant encouragement of insatiability.

But the lust of the flesh can never be satiated. At some point wemay find ourselves drowning in the destruction of an idolatrousculture.

15. Leaf through a newspaper or magazine, noting the advertise-ments. What evidence do you find of the encouragement ofinsatiability?

DJ

24


24/92

16. a. Below are some other translations of the term lust of theflesh found in 1 John 2:15-17.

The Message: wanting your own way New Century Version: wanting to please our sinful selves New Living Translation: the lust for physical pleasure New International Version: the cravings of sinful man

b. Write your own definition of the lust of the flesh. What wouldlust of the flesh look like? It may be helpful to get inputfrom a few friends about their understanding of this term.

17. According to 1 John 2:15-17, what is a better path to satisfac-tion than surrendering to the lust of the flesh?

The Lust of the Eyes: What Diverts You?

The infinite and sovereign I AM fills the universe with His glory.Whether intrigued by the detail of a spiders web or breathtaken by anevening sunset, we cant help but give expression to what weve seen.This is worshipa primal need in the heart of every human being.

But Paul showed us in Romans how we can shift our focusfrom Creator to creation. The lust of the eyes results in a cravingfor novelty, a relentless drive to experience something new. (Whocan settle for a VCR when the technology of DVD awaits us?)Often, even before our newest toy is out of the box, we feel theemptiness and long for something more.

Manufacturers, competing vigorously for our business, offer anever-expanding array of choices. We cant imagine people who eatonly rice and who have never rented the latest video. Daily we are

DJ

25


25/92

driven by the endless diversions of the kingdoms of this world, fail-ing to grasp the deeper yearnings behind our pursuit.

18. The author writes, Even before our newest toy is out of thebox, we feel the emptiness and long for something more.How does Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 support her statement?

19. The author offers worship of our Creator as the flip side tolust of the eyes. How does worship affect your attitudetoward possessions and money?

The Pride of Life: What Defines You?When God breathed a soul into human flesh, He separated us fromall other beings, giving us a sense of destiny, a need for meaning inour existence. He instills in each of us a longing that can only befulfilled in seeking first His kingdom. He promises that one daywell hear Him say, Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from thefoundation of the world (Matthew 25:34, NASB).

But the pride of life compels us to conclude that we are ourown destiny. Slogans abound that reflect this attitude: Have It Your

Way, Just Do It, Break All the Rules. As self-made men, we glory inour achievements and take comfort in our status on this earth. Andmuch of that achievement and status is measured by possessions.

DJ

26


26/92

20. What possessions are you most proud of (for example, house,high-tech computer, car, wardrobe)?

21. a. Read Psalm 49:16-19. What reasons did the man referred toin these verses have to be proud of his life?

b. What comment does the psalmist make about the value ofthese things?

c. How would someone who is focused on inheriting Godskingdom differ from the man in Psalm 49?

The Path to ContentmentWhat do our deepest longings and daily drives tell us about thecondition of our souls? Are we settling for tawdry toys and emptyexperiences when the unfathomable, inscrutable, unsearchable Godbids us to taste and see that He is good? Are we building a kingdomdestined for destruction when a city awaits us whose architect andbuilder is God Himself?

Not long ago, God brought me face to face with some of these

DJ

27


27/92

tough questions when health problems required me to eliminate allsugar from my diet. I was completely unprepared for the battle thatensued. Because Id never been greatly overweight, Id convinced

myself that food was not an issue in my spiritual life. I was wrong.In the first several weeks, I was irritable, frustrated, and depressed.I fixated on food several times a day.

Not knowing what else to do, I decided to seek Gods face everytime I wanted a snack. When others ate desserts around me, Iasked God to uproot my unhealthy lusts. As Satan taunted me, Ipleaded with God not to ease up on me until I was convinced fromthe depths of my being of His all-sufficiency.

Now, many months later, I thank Him continually for bringingme through that process. As I am learningdozens of times adayto run to Him instead of food, our intimacy is taking on adepth I couldnt have imagined. I grieve at what I gave up throughthe years and pray this reality will grip my heart whenever theworld beckons me to leave my Lords precious side.

There is only one guarantee of contentment, and that is our

all-satisfying God who ever lives to fill us with the knowledge ofHimself. Because He is our Shepherd, we shall not want. Daily Hespreads before us the cup of His kindness, the grapes of His good-ness, the bread of His justice, or the meat of His mercy, bidding usto come and dine. He promises well never hunger or thirst again.This is the secret of being content with what we have, for He Him-self has said, IWILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKEYOU (Hebrews 13:5, NASB).

How can we settle for anything else?

22. a. Solomon had it all and tried it all. How did he describe hislife in Ecclesiastes 2:4-10?

b. What conclusion did he draw in verse 11?

28


28/92

23. a. Paul also had it allat least all that mattered to a Jewish reli-gious zealot of his day. Summarize his description of himselfin Philippians 3:4-6.

b. According to verses 7-11, in what did Paul finally findcontentment and satisfaction?

24. With which of these menSolomon or Pauldo youidentify more? Why?

25. a. Did this session challenge the way youve been viewing yourmoney and possessions? If so, how?

b. What would you like to do differently in response to thatchallenge?

29


29/92

Parting Thought

The things we hold on to keep Christ at arms length. Onlywhen we turn loose of things are our hands free to take hold of

the hands of Jesus.Frank Martin, Lighten Your Load, Issue 78

30


30/92

3Land of the Free,Part 1

In the first two sessions we looked at the world we live in. A worldwhere the person with the most toys wins. A world where enoughis never enough. A world where most people have an unhealthyrelationship with money.

Can we ever break out of the worlds destructive mold?God has not left us to flail about. His Word is full of helpful

truth about our financesand the truth will set us free.Which word best describes your current relationship withmoneybondage orfreedom? If your answer is bondageor ifyou wish you could help a friend in money troubleread thefollowing article, entitled Financially Free by Becky Brodin(excerpted from Issue 88), and discover five of Gods principlesof financial freedom. We will be examining this article in bothsessions three and four.

1. a. The following test can help you measure the extent of yourfinancial bondage or freedom. Rate the following statementson a scale of 0 to 5 (0 = No or Never; 5 =Yes or Frequently).If you are married, take the test separately from your spouse,then compare notes.

__ My mind is occupied with finances: Wheres the moneycoming from?

__ I skip giving commitments or give less than pledged.__ I have difficulty paying credit card balances in full each

month.__ I receive past-due notices on bills several times a year.

31

SESSION


31/92

__ I forgo saving most months.__ I charge items because Im short in cash or my checking

account.

__ My net worth is decreasing annually.__ My housing payment exceeds 35 percent of my gross

monthly income.__ I invade savings to meet current expenses.__ I feel resentment toward creditors, government, and my

employer.__ I compare myself materially with coworkers, business

friends, and siblings.

__ I sometimes use spending as emotional therapy.__ I ignore or exceed budget limits on clothes, entertainment,

or food.__ I wonder when Ill start saving for my kids college or my

retirement.__ My emergency only savings is less than two months liv-

ing expenses.

__ My current credit card balance is greater than $500.__ I borrowed to buy my current car.

TOTAL: __

Scoring:0-18 Excellent19-36 Good37-49 Danger

50-85 Financial bondage

b. What surprises emerged as you took this test?

c. How do the results of this test make you feel?

32


32/92

Financially FreeEvery time I stepped on my brakes, my car let out an awful, metal-on-metal screech. I didnt have the money to get them fixed, so Ikept driving. But when my car developed a lurch to the right, I hadto do something. I screeched and lurched to a neighborhood garage.The mechanic looked at my brakes and told me he didnt know howI was going to get home, but I wouldnt be driving! This wasnt thefirst time I had faced a sudden expense. I was scared to death.

A few years later I worked for a surgeon who was in deep debtand constantly complained about money. He was especially put out

with several banks that refused to extend him credit for a newswimming pool. He netted six times what I earned in one year, yetwe had something in commonwe were both in financial bondage.

It doesnt matter whether you earn a little or a lot, whether youspend everything or hoard it all. People in financial bondage arepreoccupied with money, anxious about meeting present obliga-tions, or are driven to get more money. They are often behind inpaying bills, save very little for the future, and are discontent with

Gods provision. People in financial bondage are not able to maketheir own decisions regarding money. Circumstances dictate theirdecisions.

2. Have you ever had an experience similar to the one BeckyBrodin had with her brakes? Describe the dilemma. How

did it turn out?

3. Reread the third paragraph in the preceding excerpt and

circle the phrases, if any, that describe your relationshipwith money.

DJ

33


33/92

I began to notice individuals who were financially free. Iwatched one friend in particular who was not anxious aboutmoney. She understood money matters, had a savings plan, pur-chased what she wanted, was debt-free, and gave generously. Sheeven bought a new carwith cash! I was impressed.

Over time, I discovered five biblical principles that characterizepeople who are financially free. Applying these principles to myown life helped me break out of financial bondage and begin the

journey to financial freedom.

The Principle of Understanding MoneyPeople who are financially free understand money. Many of us dontunderstand how money works because we were never taught. Moneymanagement is not a common dinner-table topic that families discuss.How many of us were offered a class in money management in gradeschool, high school, or college? Who told us about the power ofcompounding interest when we were young enough to begin a sub-stantial savings program? When credit card companies send theircards, they dont attach an instruction sheet explaining how a 21percent interest rate works for them and against you when youdont pay off your bill.

For years I didnt balance my checkbook because I didnt knowhow to. When my checking account got messed up enough, Idclose out that account and open a new one. I didnt make wise deci-sions because I didnt know what I was doing.

Proverbs 17:16 challenged me to stop being foolish and learnabout money: Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since hehas no desire to get wisdom? The first wise step I took was to bal-ance my checkbookthree years of canceled checks and bankstatements!

4. From what sources have you learned about managingmoney? Check all that apply.

My parents Books, magazines, or tapes Seminars

DJ

34


34/92

My spouse The example of friends Sermons

Television Ive had to figure it out on my own I havent learned money management yet

5. In what area of money management would you most likemore wisdom?

6. How is wisdom related to wealth and poverty?

Psalm 25:12-13

Proverbs 24:3-5

7. According to Psalm 119:104 and James 1:5, what are twoways we can attain greater wisdom and understanding?

8. Does it seem worldly to you to seek wisdom about money?Why or why not?

9. Summarize what Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, and 15:22 say aboutwhere else we can find wisdom.

35


35/92

10. a. Write here the name of someone you know who is wise aboutmoney.

b. Write here three questions you would like to ask that personabout how he or she handles financial decisions.

c. Call the person you named above and ask if you can meet forcoffee and to talk over your three questions. If the personlives far from you, send a letter or e-mail in which you poseyour three questions.

d. Record below the most helpful thing you learned from yourwise counselor.

The Principle of Design

People who are financially free manage their money by design, notby default. Engage a financially free person in conversation aboutmoney and you will hear him talk about his goals for saving, invest-

ing, giving, and so on. He knows whats coming in and whats goingout and is making conscious choices all along the way.

Bringing design to our money management requires that weassess how much we have, identify what is coming in, track whatweve spent it on, and estimate what we will have for the future.

DJ

36


36/92

11. a. Author and financial counselor Ron Blue has said, Your check-book reveals all that you really believe about stewardship. Takeout your check register and credit card statements for the past

three months. Using general categories (food, car, house, giving,and so forth), write down, on a separate piece of paper, every-thing youve spent money on and the amount spent.

b. If you were a stranger looking at your list, what conclusionswould you draw about the owner of the checkbook andcredit cards? What is important to that person? How wouldyou describe his or her lifestyle?

c. Calculate the percentage of the total amount spent for each ofthe categories. (If your total income for the period was $1,000

and you spent $300 on food, then food would account for 30percent of your expenditures.) List the results of your calcu-lations here.

d. Do any of these percentages surprise you? Which ones, andwhy?

e. What changes do you want to make in your spending as aresult of this exercise?

37


37/92

Bringing design to our money management implies having aplan or (here it comesthe B word) a budget. And that can seempainfulunless you value the freedom that comes with planning.The alternative is to be at the mercy of never knowing where youare financially. C. E. Hoover described the function of a budget astelling your money where to go instead of wondering where itwent. As long as I avoided a budget, I was vulnerable to impulsespending. Unfortunately, once money is spent, its gone.

12. According to the following verses, what are some benefits ofplanning and forethought?

Proverbs 14:15

Proverbs 18:15

Proverbs 21:5

Proverbs 22:3

13. The author speaks of the freedom that comes with plan-ning. Do freedom and planning seem contradictory toyou? If so, ask the following question of someone you knowwho practices budgeting: In what ways does a budget bring

you greater freedom? Record his or her answer here.

14. If you live by a budget, how has that helped you manage yourfinances more wisely?

DJ

38


38/92

15. a. If you do not currently use a budget, which statement belowbest describes your attitude toward beginning this practice?Check one.

I dont like structure. I always have money left over at the end of the month, so I

dont need a budget. I have no idea how to set up a budget. I dont have time to make a budget. I dont make enough money to need a budget. Im terrible at math. Id really like to live by a budget, but I need someone to

help me get started. Ill start a budget when Im older.

b. Excellent resources are available to help you begin and main-tain a budget. Visit a Christian bookstore to see their collectionof books by wise advisers such as Ron Blue or Larry Burkett.

Ask one of your money-wise friends if he or she has a favoriteresource. Or ask that same person if he or she would helpyou structure a workable budget.

Managing money by design also means being honest and faithfulin the details of money management. Luke 16:10 says, Whoevercan be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, andwhoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with

much. Jesus put an emphasis on faithful stewardship. Having adesign for our money is a definite act of stewardship.

16. Complete the following statement: To me, being a good stew-ard means . . .

17. Read Luke 16:10-12. What reasons are given for beingfaithful stewards?

DJ

39


39/92

18. How can having a plan (budget) for your money make you abetter steward?

19. Review your answers to the quiz in question one, part a, atthe beginning of this session. Focus on those responses whereyou circled a 3 or higher. Place an M next to any areas thatwould be improved by applying the principle of understand-

ing money. Place a D by those areas that are related to theprinciple of design.

20. What is one change you would like to make as a result ofwhat you learned in this session?

Parting Thought

Look for someone who can explain the basic concepts of moneymanagement in simple terms, who lives by the principles, andwho will commit to meet with you every pay period. Just ajump start and some accountability may be all you need tochange deeply ingrained habits. In the process, youll be defin-ing new principles you can live by even when the accountabilityis gone.

Anne Meskey Elhajoui, How I Tamed the Money Monster, Issue 88

40


40/92

4Land of the Free,Part 2

In the last session we examined two of Gods principles for financialfreedom: the principle of understanding money and the principle ofdesign.

In this session, we continue with the article entitled FinanciallyFree by Becky Brodin, looking at biblical principles addressingdebt, contentment, and generosity.

1. Which of these statements best describes your attitude aboutdebt? Check one.

I havent paid for the shirt on my back yet, and I dont care! I havent paid for the shirt on my back yet, and it keeps me

awake at night. I want to change. Ive abused debt in the past, but I am steadily repaying all

my creditors. I only go into debt for big-ticket items: a new car, an

annual vacation, a home mortgage, college tuition. A home mortgage is the only debt I consider legitimate. I avoid all debt.

2. How do you decide what to borrow for and what to save for?

41

SESSION


41/92

The Principle of Understanding DebtPeople who are financially free work to stay clear of debt. Now thatdoesnt mean they never use credit of any kind, purchase large-ticket items, or even spend money frivolously from time to time. Itsimply means they have chosen not to take the first step down theroad to debt.

Several years ago, I knew a young woman who graduated fromcollege with a school debt of more than $20,000. The first thing shepurchased was a brand new car, increasing her debt to $30,000.The saddest part of all was that she had a deep desire to go overseas

as a missionary. It would take years of careful, disciplined moneymanagement before she could even consider it.

Proverbs 22:7 warns, The rich rule over the poor, and the bor-rower is servant to the lender. When we are in debt, we give ourpersonal power away to lenders.

3. In Shakespeares Hamlet, Polonius advises his son, Neither a

borrower nor a lender be. How does that statement comparewith Scripture? (See Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 15:7-8;Psalm 37:26; Psalm 112:5; Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:35.)

4. a. What blessing does God promise to Israel in Deuteronomy15:6?

b. Conversely, what warning does God give Israel inDeuteronomy 28:43-44?

DJ

42


42/92

5. Does it seem contradictory that Scripture approves of lendingbut not of borrowing? Why or why not?

6. Describe the consequences the following biblical charactersfaced for failure to repay debt.

The prophets widow (2 Kings 4:1)

The extorted Jews (Nehemiah 5:1-5)

7. In what ways has debt been a form of slavery in your life orthe life of someone close to you?

8. If you live free from debt, how has that made your life differ-

ent from the lives of your debt-ridden friends?

9. In what ways might being debt-free allow a person to serveGod more effectively?

43


43/92

The Principle of ContentmentPeople who are financially free are contentthey simply arent

obsessed with getting more money. Im not sure who the fabledJoneses are or how they came to represent a standard of achieve-ment, but content people arent pressured to keep up with them.

When I was in financial bondage, I thought about money con-stantly, always trying to figure out how to get more. But as I haveclimbed out of financial bondage and now work to carefully man-age my money, I am content. I am not afraid. I have enough.

Contentment doesnt mean complacency or avoidance. I am

willing to take risks, to invest, to learn, and to grow so that myincome matches my abilities. I still think about moneybut I thinkabout how to use it well, how to make it grow, and how to bless oth-ers with it. Paul told Timothy, Godliness with contentment is greatgain (1 Timothy 6:6). Contentment is its own form of richness.

10. The author says contentment can protect us from trouble.

Have you or someone you know ever gotten in trouble(financial or otherwise) because you were not content?Describe the circumstances.

11. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-19. What kind of lifestyle did Paul chal-lenge Timothy to pursue instead of wealth?

12. Do you think it is possible to pursue both wealth and charac-ter? Why or why not?

DJ

44


44/92

13. Paul said, Godliness with contentment is great gain(1 Timothy 6:6). What are some of the gains, or benefits,that come with contentment?

14. Verse 18 in The Message reads, Tell [the rich] to go afterGod, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage.

What are ways you can go after God instead of money?

15. For the next week, keep a record of your contentment level,using the following categories.

People, things, or events that challenged my sense of con-tentment (for example, big-spending coworkers, new-carads, a sale at your favorite boutique)

My initial responses

Ways I found to go after God instead of giving in to

discontent

Insights I gained from this exercise

The Principle of GenerosityPeople who are financially free are usually generous. These peopleare what I call financially response-able. They are able to respondto the needs and opportunities around them because they arethoughtful with their finances and not strapped by debt.

Financially free people have discovered the secret that generos-ity promotes generosity. We see this expressed in Proverbs 11:24-25:

DJ

45


45/92

One man gives freely, yet gains even more. . . . He who refreshesothers will himself be refreshed. The King James Version uses theword watereth for refreshes. Its not hard to picture someone

spraying water on others in a hot, dry climate and then getting someof the cool spray back. Meeting the real needs of others is a life-giv-ing celebration.

The apostle Paul addressed this principle of generosity in2 Corinthians 9. Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; alavish planter gets a lavish crop (verse 6, MSG).

The disappointing reality is that Christian giving is sometimesthe meager leftovers of our budget. Paul reminds us of our basis for

being cheerful givers: This most generous God who gives seed tothe farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extrava-gant with you. He gives you something you can then give away(2 Corinthians 9:10-11, MSG). The beauty of being financially free isthat we can respond with genuine generosity.

16. a. Describe a time when you were able to respond financially tosomeones need.

b. In what ways were you refreshed by the opportunity to give?

17. a. Both the Old and New Testaments contain numerous instruc-tions about giving, some of which we will study in an upcomingsession. The following verses give us general principles for howwe should give. Match the verse on the left with the principleon the right that it teaches.

46


46/92

Proverbs 3:9 Give quietly

1 Corinthians 16:2 Give regularly

2 Corinthians 8:2-3 Give the best

1 Corinthians 16:2 Give cheerfully2 Corinthians 9:7 Give proportionately

Matthew 6:1 Give sacrificially

b. Do any of these challenge your present giving habits? If so,which ones?

Breaking FreeOngoing financial bondage is a heavy burden to bear. But by Gods

grace, it is possible to break free and live in financial freedom.Understanding how money works reduces a persons vulnerabilityto foolish decisions. Financial knowledge becomes the basis formanaging money by design. Having a thoughtful design for moneymanagement protects a person from choices that result in indebted-ness. And when a person is not in debt, knows the status of his orher financial situation, and makes wise decisions, then fear andanger about money can give way to contentment with Gods provi-

sion. A content person can overflow with generosity, cheerfullyresponding to the needs of others in their world.

18. Financial bondage often begins when we try to serve twomastersGod and money. Read Matthew 6:19-34. Describethe different perspectives on life that you find in this passage.

DJ

47


47/92

19. According to Matthew 11:29-30, what kind of Master isChrist?

20. From your experience, what kind of master is money?

21. Write below a summary sentence for each of the five princi-ples of financial freedom that youve learned in these twosessions:

The principle of understanding money

The principle of design

The principle of understanding debt

The principle of contentment

The principle of generosity

22. Go back to the quiz you took in question one, part a, at thebeginning of session three, focusing on the items you rated a3 or higher. Place a U next to those responses that could beimproved by applying the principle of understanding debt.Place a C next to those responses that could be improved

48


48/92

by applying the principle of contentment. Place a G next tothose responses that could be improved by applying theprinciple of generosity.

23. a. What changes do you believe you need to make in responseto this study?

b. How might these changes give you greater financial freedom?

Parting Thought

Gods principles are designed to make us succeed . . . in Godseyes. Thats a success that differs radically from the worldsidea, and yet it is true success.

Ron Blue,Money: If God Owns It All, What Are You Doing with It? Issue 53

49


49/92

5The Habit of the Wise

1. For which of the following are you most motivated to savemoney? Check your top five motivators.

A vacation Retirement Childrens education

Financial cushion in case of unemployment House remodeling A short-term missions trip Medical emergencies Potential economic downturn A wedding A new car Down payment for a new home

Home furnishings and appliances Home repairs A computer, stereo, or home entertainment center

Weve probably all been motivated to save for something at sometime. My first savings plan was ignited by a craving for gleamingwhite ice skates. These days, more urgent voices compel me tosave, such as an aging car, the prospect of retirement, and thelonging for a European vacation. Even with such powerful incen-tives, I still count myself among the majority of Americans(according to multiple polls) who are not saving nearly as much asexperts say they should.

In this next article, entitled How Big a Nest Egg Should I

51

SESSION


50/92

Lay? by Wilson (Jody) Humber (excerpted from Issue 88), theauthor, head of his own tax, investment, and estate consulting firm,shows us that saving is not only a good idea but is also biblical.

How Big a Nest Egg Should I Lay?When I ask people in my seminars, Do you think saving is wiseplanning? almost everyone answers yes. When I ask, Are you sav-ing something consistently and persistently from each paycheck?almost everyone answers no. Most of us know better, but accordingto biblical wisdom we are living like fools: The wise man saves for

the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets (Proverbs21:20, TLB).

No matter where I go, it seems that people have the same ques-tions about saving. What does Scripture say about saving? Isntsaving a failure to trust God? What should I be saving for? Howcan I save when I can barely make ends meet?

2. What is your biggest obstacle to saving? Check one.

It seems like a lack of faith. God will take care of me. By the time I pay my bills, nothing is left to save. Spending is much more fun than saving. Im unclear on why saving is important.

What Does Scripture Say About Saving?An excellent example of saving occurs in Genesis 41 when Josephinterprets Pharaohs dream and prophesies seven good years to befollowed by seven years of famine. Josephs advice to Pharaoh (andus) was to save a part of the income during the good years as areserve for the lean years to come. Solomon also reminds us of thesame principle of saving by observing what God instinctivelyplanted in the ant: Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its waysand be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet itstores its provisions in summer [saves] and gathers its food at har-vest [so it will survive during the winter] (Proverbs 6:6-8).

DJ

DJ

52


51/92

In considering our responsibility to our families, Paul wrote, Ifanyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for hisimmediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an

unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8). The Greek wordpronoeo, translatedprovide, comes from two words:pro meaning before, in front of,or prior to and noeo meaning to perceive, think, consider, see,and understand. Providing for ourselves and our families includesthe responsibility to look down the road and save for the leanyearscircumstances or problems that sooner or later affect us all.

Just as with any of Gods guidelines for living, there are dangersin taking a principle to the extreme. When Jesus said, Do not store

up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy,and where thieves break in and steal (Matthew 6:19), He wasntsaying dont save. Rather, He was warning that continued savingbeyond reasonable needs becomes hoarding, which is condemnedthroughout Scripture. By saving beyond what is necessary, wewrongly trust in our savings rather than in God. Proverbs 11:28reminds us this is a surefire formula for failure: Whoever trusts in

his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.Scripture seems to present a balance. We should save some ofour income but not store up all our treasures on earth. Proverbs30:8-9 teaches: Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give meonly my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disownyou and say, Who is the LORD? Or I may become poor and steal,and so dishonor the name of my God.

3. Read Genesis 41:28-57. How do you think most people todaywould react if government leaders enforced mandatory sav-ings in anticipation of an economic downturn?

53


52/92

4. What aspects of our culture make saving unappealing (forexample, advertising, the push toward instant gratification,and so on)?

5. a. Both Genesis 41:46-57 and Luke 12:16-21 describe men whosaved for the future. How are these men and their situationssimilar? How are they different?

Similarities Differences

b. Why do you think God was pleased with one and con-demned the other?

6. What do these two passages tell you about right attitudes andactions in regard to saving?

54


53/92

Doesnt Saving Show a Lack of Faith on MyPart?Shouldnt I rely on God alone to meet my needs and provide for thefuture? This question is very common among those whose chief desireis to live in complete faith, trust, and dependence on God. To answerit, we must distinguish faith from presumption. On one hand, the Bibleis clear that walking worthy means putting complete faith and trust inHim alone. On the other hand, the Bible stresses our personal responsi-bility to exercise wisdom, make good choices and decisions, anddemonstrate personal discipline.

Failure to save anything at all from our income is both pre-sumption on God and foolishness rather than faith.

7. a. What do you think is the distinction between faith and pre-sumption?

b. Ask that question of at least three Christian friends. Recordtheir answers here.

8. How does Proverbs 21:20 support the authors contention

that saving is our responsibility?

DJ

55


54/92

For What Should I Save, and How Much IsEnough?The answer to this question can be divided into two parts: short-term savings and long-term savings. Lets begin with three commonshort-term goals.

1. Emergency Funds.What happens when you have a trafficaccident and need $500 to cover the deductible on your car insur-ance? What do you do when your son breaks his arm and $300 ofthe bill is not covered by insurance? What about when you get acall from across the country that summons you to a close relatives

funeral? You have just two choices: either save beforehand or usedebt and credit when emergencies strike.

A realistic minimum to accumulate for emergencies is $500 to$1,000. If you saved only $10 a week it would not greatly affectyour current lifestyle, but it would dramatically alter your responseto an emergency.

Credit cards are not a suitable alternative for handling emergen-cies. First, borrowed principal must be repaid, and this reduces

your future spendable income. Second, you have to pay interestleaving you even less spendable or saveable income.

2. Repairs and Maintenance. Everything on this earth willeventually need repair, maintenance, or replacement. A realisticminimum to save would be at least enough to cover probableexpenditures for health, homes, and transportation. If you havemedical insurance, try to save at least twice the deductible. If you

have a car, save at least your deductible on collision insurance plusprobable cost of repairs over the cars mechanical life. A conserva-tive guideline for home repairs and maintenance would be toaccumulate 1 to 2 percent of your homes fair market value.

3. Annual Events. Every year the same annual events occur:birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, school clothes, and vacations.But very few of us look ahead and plan for them.

Make a list of the people and the occasions you buy for. In our

family we save $30 a week so we can pay cash rather than chargethese expenses.

DJ

56


55/92

9. Describe the last financial emergency you encountered forwhich you did not have any money saved. How did you comeup with the needed funds?

10. Underline any of the authors suggestions for short-term

savings that you are already implementing.

11. Which of his suggestions would you most like to add to yoursavings plan?

For What Long-Term Goals Should I BeSaving?Four common goals for long-term savings are big-ticket items,income replacement, education, and retirement.

The most common big-ticket items are vehicles, down pay-

ments on homes, and home furnishings. Again we have the choiceof buy now and pay later or save now and buy later. Saving andbuying in cash is always cheaper.

Income replacement is another long-term savings goal. If amajor illness, accident, layoff, or pay cut hit you tomorrow, howlong could you survive? A minimum long-term savings goal is toaccumulate three to six months living expenses in an interest-earning account. This will buffer the shock of having your incomereduced or interrupted.

Education for yourself and/or your children as well as savingfor your eventual retirement are also valid, long-term savings goals.Since the time line for these goals may be ten to thirty years ormore down the road for some of us, we can cross from saving to

DJ

57


56/92

the art and science of investing, which is a separate topic. When Iuse the word savings, I mean the guaranteed return of a dollar plusthe guaranteed rate of interest over a specific time period. Invest-

ments, unlike guaranteed savings, have no certain future value orfuture income. Do your homework and learn about investing toreduce your risk. Dont jump into a plan that sounds too good to betrue. Lack of information plus lack of patience plus greed is a guar-anteed formula for failure. Investigate before you invest, becauseyou can never make up a loss of capital.

12. What preparations have you made so far for the long-termneeds that the author mentions?

13. a. What wise steps for saving and investing are given in the

following verses? Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 13:11

Proverbs 14:23; 21:5

Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 19:20

Proverbs 27:12

b. In which of these areas are you strongest?

c. In which of these areas would you most like to improve?

58


57/92

How Can I Save for the Future When I CanBarely Make Ends Meet Now?You dont have to earn big money to accomplish your goals if youstart now and are persistent and realistic. It took us over twentyyears of savingincreasing the amount each year that we savedto get to where we had savings to cover all the items mentionedpreviously. We started small and as we reached one goal, we movedto another one. What counts are your attitude and the directionyou are moving, not the amount you are saving at first. Resolve tostart now. Trust God for guidance, provision, and power.

14. How would you sum up for a friend the most importantinsight you have gained from this session?

15. a. What changes do you believe you need to make in responseto this study?

b. What is one step you can take in the next three months totackle these changes?

DJ

59


58/92

Parting Thought

The distinction between financial responsibility and financialfoolishness is this: Saving becomes hoarding when it is exercis-

ing our own sovereignty and financial independence so thatGod doesnt have to come through for us.

Randy Alcorn, Should We Save or Give? Issue 65

60


59/92

6What Do I Do withAll This Stuff?

Ive got too much stuff. I cant think straight for all the clutter.I need more closet space!

Sound familiar? Sometimes we can be diligent savers, wiseinvestors, careful spenders, regular givers . . . and still end up with

too much stuff. And if we dont get our possessions under control,they are bound to control us.

Our next article, entitled The Joy of Living Generously bySusan Nikaido (excerpted from Issue 112), offers some alternativesto the never-ending, out-of-control acquisition of stuff that tends tocharacterize our modern culture.

1. Which of these statements most closely describes your feel-

ings about your possessions? Check one.

It cant possibly be spiritual to have all this stuff. If I reallyloved God, I would sell it all and live like a monk.

No matter how much I have, I always want a little more. I enjoy my stuff and am glad God has prospered me. Im pretty good at holding my possessions loosely. When

they start to get on my nerves, I purge and simplify. I know I have too much, but its hard to part with anything.

Ive resigned myself to living with clutter . . . and guilt. Sometimes my possessions keep me from serving God as

wholeheartedly as Id like to. Hey, the person with the most toys wins, and I plan to win!

61

SESSION


60/92

The Joy of Living GenerouslyAs the truck pulled away with the twin bed, desk, and coffee table,I felt a little envious. Wed just sold some extra furniture to a youngwoman who was new in town and needed a few things for the one-room cottage she had rented.

I remembered wistfully when Id moved to Colorado Springsthirteen years before, with only a Chevyload of belongings and apile of boxes Id shipped. Now, my husband and I had just spentmuch of our free time in the months since our marriage trying toconsolidate two houses worth of possessions into one. Sorting,

transporting, deciding, selling, and giving away had consumed toomuch of our energy. Our stuff was getting in the way of what wereally wanted to do with our lives.

Stuff can become a stumbling block. It can consume our time,our money, and our very hearts. In response to the threat, somebelievers have given it all away and lived in voluntary poverty.Others of us may feel a little guilty about all we have but arentquite sure what to do about it. Still others cave in to our cultures

urging to buy anything and everything our hearts desire.Does God have a plan for our possessions? Yes, and its spelled

out clearly in His Word. Its a countercultural plan, but one de-signed to help us live freely and joyfully with our stuff. What doesHe have in mind?

2. Has there ever been a time when your stuff has prevented youfrom doing something you really wanted to do? Describe thatoccasion.

3. a. Read Mark 10:17-22. What did the rich man want to pursue,according to verse 17?

DJ

62


61/92

b. How did this mans stuff prevent him from pursuing hisdesire?

Know where your stuff comes from.Foundational to dealing biblically with your stuff is understanding

its source. No, its not the car dealership or your local Wal-Mart.Everything you have is a gift from God. Everything. From yourbedroom furniture to that last box of tissues, everything you own isfrom Him. James wrote, Every good and perfect gift is from above,coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights ( James 1:17).

Even the things youve earned are gifts from God. Moseswarned the Israelites, You may say to yourself, My power and the

strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But re-member the LORD your God,for it is he who gives you the ability toproduce wealth (Deuteronomy 8:17-18, emphasis added).

How does it change your perspective to know the chair youresitting on, the roof over your head, and even the magazine in yourhand are gifts from God, in one form or another?

4. Do you find it freeing or unnerving to think of everythingyou own as a gift from God? Explain your answer.

5. How do these verses describe the extent of Gods ownership?

Deuteronomy 10:14

Job 41:11

DJ

63


62/92

Psalm 50:9-12

Psalm 95:4-5

Haggai 2:8

6. a. Job was an enormously wealthy man. Read Job 1:1-3 and listbelow the extent of his wealth as described in these verses.

b. Read verses 6-12. What did Satan ask God for permission todo to Job?

c. Summarize from verses 13-19 the extent of Jobs one-daylosses at the hands of Satan.

d. How did Job respond, according to verses 20-22?

e. What does his response tell you about how he viewed owner-ship of his wealth?

64


63/92

7. a. Which of the following have you experienced? Check all thatapply.

A job loss Flood, earthquake, or fire damage to your home and

possessions Burglary in your home An investment gone sour Car theft Business failure Other significant material loss (describe):

b. At the time of these losses, did you think of your lost moneyor possessions as belonging to God? How did (or would) agrasp of Gods ownership influence your reaction to the loss?

Enjoy your stuff.Many of us need no admonitions in this area! If your motto is,Whatever your hand finds to buy, buy it, you can skip this section.

Here, Im speaking to those of us who feel a little guilty about

buying a new dress or a bigger house when there are starving peoplein the world. We could pay for a nice vacation without going intodebt, but we wonder if that would be too self-indulgent. Deep in ourhearts, we suspect wed be more spiritual if we shopped at Goodwilland kept our old car until we were on a first-name basis with everytow truck operator in town.

Heres a message from Scripture to you: God wants you to enjoywhat He has given! Proverbs 10:22 says, The blessing of the LORDbrings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. Wealth can be a signof Gods favor, and we dont need to feel guilty or embarrassedabout enjoying it.

Many of the great men of God were wealthy. Abraham, Isaac,David, Solomon, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Job all had significant

DJ

65


64/92

riches, which Scripture says were given to them by God. They didgreat things for Him, but they also seemed to enjoy having the bestthat money could buyand God never censured them for it.

Solomon wrote, When God gives any man wealth and posses-sions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and behappy in his workthis is a gift of God (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

Paul reminded wealthy believers that God richly provides uswith everythingfor our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17, emphasisadded). Being a tightwad brings no glory to Him.

How would you feel if you gave your best friend a valuable giftyoud selected just for her, only to discover it on sale at her garage

sale the following spring? I wonder if it doesnt grieve God whenwe dont enjoy the good gifts He gives. If we follow His wholeteaching regarding the use of our resources, I believe we are free toenjoy a luxury here and there, to buy something just because itsbeauty cheers our souls, or to splurge on an activity just for thesheer enjoyment of it.

8. Where would you place yourself on the following spectrum?Place a dollar sign at the appropriate place.

|I dont know I enjoy my

|

how to enjoy possessions waymy possessions. too much.

9. Most of us are not wealthy by our cultures standards, but wehave much more than the minimum requirements of food,clothing, and shelter. God has given us far more than whatwe need just to survive from day to day. List below five thingsyou have that are purely for enjoyment purposes.

66


65/92

10. Write a prayer of thanksgiving to God for some of the things Hehas given you to enjoy. Be explicit, telling Him why you enjoy acertain thing. (For example, because it is beautiful, because itmakes you laugh, because your family has fun with it.)

Give your stuff away.Enjoying our stuff is only part of the picture. If we stop there, wewill miss the most exciting part of Gods plan.

Yes, Paul wrote that God provides us with everything for ourenjoyment. But his next sentence lays out the other responsibilityof every Christian who has been blessed materially: Commandthem to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and

willing to share (1 Timothy 6:18). God has given us materialthings not only for our own enjoyment, but so that we may passthem on to others who need them.

The first believers understood this principle. In Acts 4:34-35,we read that the more affluent believers occasionally sold houses orland in order to provide for the believers without means. They sawthemselves as conduits of Gods material blessings, not the finaldestination.

Rather than being hesitant to enjoy Gods blessings, I fear thatmany of us are enjoying what He has given us too much. Despite abooming economy, American Christians are giving a smaller pro-portion of their incomes than they did thirty years ago. The BarnaResearch Group reports that only 3 percent of Christians tithe.

DJ

67


66/92

In contrast, look at the wealthy man described in Psalm 112:Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,

who finds great delight in his commands. . . .

Wealth and riches are in his house,and his righteousness endures forever.

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,who conducts his affairs with justice.

Surely he will never be shaken;a righteous man will be remembered forever.

He will have no fear of bad news;his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. . . .

He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor,his righteousness endures forever;his horn will be lifted high in honor. (verses 1,3-7,9)

This is a portrait of a personany personwhom God blesses

with wealth. Instead of hoarding his wealth, this person is gener-ous and lends freely. He gives to the poor. And what is his reward?Good will come to him. He will never be shaken. His hornwill be lifted high in honor.

As we share what we have with others, not only do they bene-fit, but we are blessed as well. All the Scriptures that promiserewards to the generous giver would more than fill this page.

Ive had the opportunity to see those promises fulfilled as Ive

shared my home with others. A few years ago, I learned that mis-sionary friends with two small children needed a place to stay fortwo months. Some people thought I was a little crazy, but I offeredto share my space. They didnt know that I got the best end of thedeal. My too-quiet home was filled with life, a home-cooked mealawaited me every night after work (close to heaven for a single per-son!), and I got a realistic, close-up look at the ups and downs ofmarriage and parenting. My friendship with the couple deepened,and I became Auntie Susan to a one-year-old and three-year-old.I gained so much more than the privacy I temporarily lost.

68


67/92

11. From some of His earliest interactions with humankind, Godmade it clear that blessings were meant to be passed along.Read Genesis 12:2-3. What outcome did God intend when

He blessed Abraham?

12. Underline the phrases in the Psalm 112 passage on page 68that show this man understood that his wealth was meant tobe shared. Then circle the benefits he received (or was prom-ised) because of his righteous use of wealth.

13. a. Describe a time when you shared one of your possessionswith someone else (your house, car, food, and so on). Whatwas the benefit to that person?

b. What was the benefit to you?

Steps Toward Generous LivingGod blesses us so that we can bless others. How can we begin liv-ing as conduits of Gods blessings?

Offer your stuff as a living sacrifice. Your house, your car, yourclothes, your coffeepot, your computer. Thank God for all of it, andtell Him it is all available to be used for His kingdom.

Give away the extra. All of us have things stashed away that wemight need sometime. That skirt that doesnt match anything,those books youll probably never read again, supplies for thehobby you lost interest in, the kids outgrown toys, the musicalinstrument you never play anymore. Ask yourself,Am I hoarding?Am I keeping this just because it feels good to own it, or because I paida lot for it? Is there someone, somewhere, who could use this today? Ifthe answer is yes, give it away.

Make what you have available to others. Open your home to theyouth group. Invite church newcomers home for lunch. Lend your

DJ

69


68/92

maternity clothes to an expectant mother. Offer your tools (and theexpertise that goes with them) to your neighbors. Ask God to showyou how your belongings could benefit others in your community.

One caution: Your stuff may not come back to you in the con-dition in which you loaned it. Or it may not come back at all.

When that happens, remember that it was Gods gift to youanyway. Whats better: for it to be used or for it to sit on your shelfin perfect condition?

Buy with the intent to share.When its time for a major purchase,make choices based on utility. Choose the home with plenty ofspace for entertaining over the one with the great master suite. Buy

a table that can seat a crowd and a sofa that folds out into a bed.Learn about the needs in your world. Get a feel for how much

you have compared to most people in the world. In his bookMoney, Possessions, and Eternity, Randy Alcorn writes,

Statistically, if you have sufficient food, decent clothes,live in a house that keeps the weather out, and own a rea-

sonably reliable means of transportation, you are amongthe top 15 percent of the worlds wealthy. If you have anymoney saved, . . . a variety of clothes in your closet, twocars (in any condition), and live in your own home, youare in the top 5 percent of the worlds wealthy.

To keep your things in perspective, participate in a mission tripto an impoverished area. At least once a year, serve at a local soup

kitchen, deliver gifts for Project Angel Tree, or find another way tobe around the needy in your community.

Look at your resources from an eternal perspective. Take theamount of money youll make this year, minus taxes. Multiply thatnumber by the number of years you will work until you retire.Surprised? That is the wealth God has entrusted to youand thefigure likely will be much higher when you add in raises and otherincome. Where do you want that money to go?

Most of us look at our incomes in terms of what we want andneed in the present. What if, instead, we looked at our resources interms of what we could invest in Gods kingdom over a lifetime?

When you reach the end of your life, what will you be mostglad to have spent that money on? On things, which will eventu-

70


69/92

ally burn? Or on sending missionaries to unreached people andfeeding and clothing the needy?

14. How did the following people use their possessions to blesssomeone else?

Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:42-46)

Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37)

Lydia (Acts 16:13-15)

15. a. Reread the authors ideas for blessing others with your stuff.Underline the ones you are already practicing.

b. Are there one or two ideas you would like to try?Circle them.

16. Using the following chart, brainstorm how you might matchsome of your possessions with people in need. On the left,list specific items youd like to give away. On the right, placethe name of a person or organization that would be blessedby this item.

Item to give away Person/organization

71


70/92

17. The author asks, When you reach the end of your life, whatwill you be most glad to have spent [your] money on?Looking at your life so far, how would you answer that?

God has blessed you with a bounty of material possessions,both to enjoy and to share. Finding the right balance requires day-by-day surrender to and communion with God. The answers willlook a little different for everyone. But when you find that balance,you will begin to live in freedom: freedom to enjoy Gods good

gifts, freedom from materialism and greed. Holding your posses-sions with an open hand, you can experience the blessings ofreceiving and the even greater blessings of giving.

18. Did this session challenge the way youve been viewing yourpossessions? If so, how?

19. In the next week, surrender daily all that you own to God. Bespecific. Ask Him to bring to your attention others needs thatyou could meet with what He has given you. Record here anyinsights He gives you.

Parting ThoughtWhen we focus on God, we will embrace certain truths: that ourstuff has been given to us by God, that it is not ours to hold onto, and that it is intended for the good of the larger community.

Richard Foster, Putting Things in Their Place, Issue 112

DJ

72


71/92

7Moneys Kingdom Power

Money is power. When slipped to a maitre d at an exclusive restau-rant, it can get you the best table. When contributed in sufficientquantity to a political campaign, it can get you an ambassadorship.

With money, you can acquire the clothes, the house, the car, andthe panache that say, I am someone. I have power.

Jesus alluded to moneys power when He called it mammona

proper name in Hebrew, as if it were a rival god.The power of nuclear energy can be used to destroy life or to pro-vide life-sustaining warmth. So it also is with moneys power. Someuse it for selfish, life-destroying purposes. But others have learned touse the power of money to advance the kingdom-growing purposesof God.

The old saying about money is You cant take it with you. Butyou can take it with youor more accurately, send it on aheadif

you invest your money in that which is eternal. Thats the messageof the following article, entitled Money Power by Roger Fleming(excerpted from Issue 12).

1. a. Describe a time when you witnessed firsthand the power ofmoney.

73

SESSION


72/92

b. Was that power used for good or for evil purposes?

Money PowerIn Luke 16, Jesus used the improbable illustration of a shrewdmanager (verses 1-8) to make a surprising point about money. Therich master had turned over responsibility for all his money to themanager, who was later accused of squandering the rich manswealth. The manager faced the prospect of a public firing and

humiliation. Such shame would prevent him from again beingemployed as a manager.

Threatened with having no means to earn a living, the managerplanned ahead.

What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job.Im not strong enough to dig, and Im ashamed to beg

I know what Ill do so that, when I lose my job here,people will welcome me into their houses.So he called in each one of his masters debtors. He

ask

your money and your life

Documents