Dollars and Sense - How to Live with Money
Sunday, May 16, 2021
On Sunday, Scott Dixon described 4 different “financial scripts” and how we usually fall into 1 or 2 of them. Which do you tend to fall into? (We all want to be #1… but if we’re honest, do we often fall into one of the others?)
Money Vigilance: when you’re super careful with money
Money Avoidance: When you convince yourself money isn’t important
Money Status: When you equate self-worth with net worth.
Money Worship: When you think more money will solve all of your problems.
The goal is that every part of our lives, including money, would be impacted by the presence of a holy God. We looked at the parable of the rich, young ruler to help us see the importance of that goal. Take some time to re-read that parable aloud. Luke 18:18-30.
As you read the passage, what characteristics, emotions, or worldviews do you see from the rich, young ruler? (Both good and bad)
In vs 24-27, Jesus paints a very interesting, almost comical, word picture about the dangers of wealth. Why does it seem “impossible” for the rich to enter the Kingdom?
What is Jesus really saying in vs 27?
(hint - it is more about the character of God than the character of man.)
As Scott said, money isn’t good or bad but it is powerful and comes with a fair amount of danger.
Wealth has the power to make us proud.
Wealth has the power to fool us into a false sense of security.
Wealth has the power to magnify our self-absorption as we seek to prove our significance.
Wealth has the power to seep into our relationships and distract from what is truly important.
Wealth has the power to become our idol (whether we have a lot or a little).
Which of these have you had personal experience with? Are any of these a current battle for you?
In dealing with the reality of money and the dangers that come with it, we were first urged to remember our position as stewards, not owners. How does James 1:17 help us think about this?
Second, we were reminded to “develop our heart muscles.” This is about living simply and knowing the difference between wants and needs. So how do we discern what is really a need?
What filters or standards help us determine our financial priorities?
How does the daily practice of gratitude impact this process?
Third, we were challenged to bless others extravagantly. This is not necessarily a call to a life of destitution, but one of sacrifice and generosity. He used the bucket/pipe analogy to show that we either see ourselves as recipients of blessing (collecting in a bucket) or as conduits of blessing (pouring through us to others). If you’re being really honest with yourself, do you often view your finances like the bucket or the pipe?
What is one of the most financially generous or sacrificial things you have witnessed or experienced? (Remember, this isn’t about the amount given but rather the intentional sacrifice to bless others.)
Last, we were challenged to see Jesus as our only true treasure. In Mark 10, the same parable is recorded. How do we see the heart of Jesus in this vs 21?
How has Jesus shown His great love for you?
When you dwell on His love, how does it impact your view of the money you have?
When you consider His love, how does it impact your view of security and significance?
For personal reflection, Scott posed a handful of questions to help us gain perspective on living simply:
Do I want things beyond my state and condition in life?
Do I abuse and defraud others in the acquisition of goods?
I am continually discontent with what I have – always wanting more?
Do I consume too much in a day when it could last many days?
Have I become proud in my possessions?
Am I continually envious of others’ possessions?