February 11, 2002
LifeWay Family Bible Series for Feb. 24
Attitudes about money impact the rest of life
___Luke 12:13-21; 21:1-4
___By Christine Hockin-Boyd
___Texas WMU, Dallas
___For some, these last eight weeks have gone slowly as we have steadily researched and studied about attitudes and behaviors of Christians. For others, I hope it has been a renewal time, allowing the indwelling of Christ's power to transform attitudes and behaviors.
___To be transformed means an outward or inward change (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Examples are found throughout the Bible when a person had an encounter with Jesus. Our focus has been on attitudes and behaviors, and hopefully has caused each of us to personally evaluate our thoughts and convictions. What may have been obvious to one Christian was a challenge to another, allowing Christ to transform within and without.
___Our year began understanding the word "attitude." It means a mental position with regard to a fact or state; a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state; a negative or hostile state of mind; a cocky or arrogant manner. We studied specifics such as demonstrating our faith by right actions; allowing Jesus to transform our life continually; valuing and protecting human life; seeing and affirming others' usefulness in God's kingdom; respecting people and giving reverence to Christ; overcoming prejudices and resisting prejudices when they are discovered within; finding contentment and satisfaction in Christ; and, now, sharing with others rather than stockpiling.
___Do you find yourself creating a reserve of money for selfish reasons? "Oh no," you say rather quickly, but what is your motive and desire for that money? As is true with most things in life, there is a fine line between a person collecting and saving and the day greed begins taking over.
___Such words as "selfishness" and "excessiveness" come to mind. Is it wrong to save for retirement, college, a home? No. The problem begins when only internal desires and wishes are the focus. That is when greed has won. The secular world teaches this perspective consistently through various forms of media. Bigger is better, and whoever has the most toys wins. If someone has the biggest house, fanciest car, largest stock portfolio and bank account, then he or she is powerful and important.
___What does the Bible have to say about this? Life is more than material goods. All these important things we gain and gather while on earth will not be transferable to our heavenly bank account. It is the spiritual matters that take priority over all material things. The most important and valuable asset is our relationship with God and sharing what we have gained through him with others.
___Think about it. A young preschooler is generous and willing to give and share everything. But as he gets older, things change. Do you remember learning and wanting to give to others? Can you recall when you were tempted with the idea of not giving the whole tithe, supporting the church building campaign or giving less to camp scholarships? It's time to evaluate and diversify.
___"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). Yes, save for a house or car down payment, children's college expenses and for that family vacation, but beware of those things that may be out of reach. Examples: A house payment twice you can afford, extravagant clothes, purchasing a car beyond reason and exceeding credit card limits.
___Greed. It is a destroyer of both individuals and families. How sad for a family to be torn apart by debt because of greed.
___The parable of the rich fool is a great example not just for the early church but for all time. He honestly may have thought there was nothing wrong in stockpiling, but what a reality check when God said to him: "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" (12:20).
___I hope you will feel more than sorrow for someone such as this, but rather feel compelled to pray with an urgency for the greed to melt away. Maybe you can pray that any greed within you might melt away. Pray, asking for strength to focus on spiritual riches that will make a guaranteed eternal deposit. Ask for wisdom to be creative in giving to others, whether it is a special need or simply to be supportive of a family or ministry. Start giving away and see just how much fun and a blessing it can be.
___Oh, how I love the story of the widow who gave all she had out of her poverty. Why? She had profound faith and an untainted love for God and his work. Try giving sacrificially and see what happens. Jesus did. Try giving out of total surrender and love and see what happens. Jesus did. Give sacrificially and make an eternal deposit. Jesus already has.
___Questions for discussion
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