Myth 2: “Money isn’t a problem for me (I don’t have any yet)”
The danger is not always in having money… the problem is in our attitude towards money. Let me ask a few diagnostic questions to determine if money might be a problem for you.
• When you last bought a new car, IPod, computer game or clothes did you consider whether this was how God wanted you to spend your money?
• When you last bought a new car, IPod, computer game or clothes did you consider whether this was how God wanted you to spend your money?
• When was the last time you gave something away that really cost you, rather than giving safely from what you have?
• Are you more excited when you visit the temple of Victoria Square (or equivalent) & rejoice at the bargains on offer or meeting with God’s people for Sunday morning worship?
• Have you ever spent £100 or more on clothes, a concert, sports event or a holiday without much thought, but considered yourself really generous & sacrificial by giving £20 to church?
• Have you ever said something along the lines of, “I don’t have any clothes, shoes or handbags”?
• When you ask someone what they do for a living do you find yourself contemplating how much they earn?
• Have you ever bought someone a present/gift with an expectation of repayment of some sort? Have you ever complained that someone else’s present to you wasn’t as expensive or nice as yours to them?
• Have you ever found yourself working on a Sunday to earn money or turning down a mission opportunity for a summer job?
• When considering how wealthy you are do you compare yourself with celebrities, with friends who have more than you or with people in the developing world?
• Have you spent more time thinking about what you will buy people for Christmas or the significance of celebrating Jesus’ birthday?
Personally I find these issues very challenging as they expose several fears & insecurities that I have about money & stuff. But if we are to live for the Kingdom and not the Thing-dom, I think it is important (if uncomfortable) to take some time to meditate on one or all of these issues.
So is money a struggle for you?
“Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?'
Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30v7-9
(Myth 3: Christians should not have lots of money)
1 comment:
You are so very right. I love your blog. I had to decide between a second job his summer versus volunteering with a children's camps. I chose the camps and it was the best time of my life. I have to say, I felt very rich and blessed to get that opportunity and to share special moments in those kids lives. It was worth every second.
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