The Consumption Assumption--May 22, 2011

As I announced last Sunday, Cindy and I hope to be in San Antonio this Sunday where we look forward to watching our youngest daughter graduate from the University of Texas Health Science Center with a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy science. Beth Miles has graciously agreed to facilitate the class discussion for this week.

The lesson from Andy Stanley is another good one. It is about money and spending habits. Andy mentions that many, if not most of the serious issues brought to his office for counseling deal with one of two topics: sex or money. According to Andy, sex or money drive many of the conflicts, failures, and regrets that we experience in life. Andy says that the reason God says so much about money in His Word is that our attitude and behavior toward money has everything to do with our devotion to Him. Andy refers to Matthew 6:24. The scripture simply spells out the fact, we cannot serve both God and money. Money, in our society, is seen as the pursuit of wealth or the pursuit of security. In either case, the pursuit of wealth or the pursuit of security reflect a lack of confidence and devotion to the God of the Universe to supply all our needs and to keep us safe.

Andy says that we need guardrails on BOTH sides of the road when it comes to money. One one side of the road is the ditch that contains the danger of consumerism--in which we spend every dime that comes our way. On the other side of the road is the ditch that contains the danger of hoarding--in which we feel compelled to save everything that we possibly can because we cannot trust God to take care of our future needs. According to Andy, both ditches are very self-centered and result in living as if there is no God. Both ditches or both lifestyles are consummed by greed. Greed is difficult to see in the mirror, but many of us suffer from this condition--either to support our uncontrolled spending or our incessant need to save for the future.

Andy mentions that for most Americans, God is like the back-up finance plan. God wants to be the master and ruler of your life. The chief competitor with God being master and ruler is "your stuff."

Andy Stanley suggests a spending plan that looks like this:

1. GIVE--the first 10% of your income should be given to the Lord (this could be more than 10%, but at least 10% should be given)
2. SAVE--the next 10% of your revenue should be saved
3. LIVE--live on 80% of your available revenue

A plan such as the one outlined above provides adequate guardrails to be sure that you are using your money in a Godly manner.

Matthew 6:32 spells out the fact that God knows our needs. Do you really belive that God knows and cares about our needs? Don't let money steal your peace or your joy.


REMINDER: Sunday School swimming party and lunch at Emerald Forest Swimming Pool on June 5 after church. Come on down for a great time with the class and with the kids.