Finance

Less Can Be More

Luke 12:16-21; Psalm 37:16

There are a lot of things that money can’t buy. Money can buy you a bed, but not a peaceful night’s sleep. It can buy you books, but not intelligence. It buys a house but not a home. Medicine but not good health. Luxuries but not culture. Entertainment but not joy. Possessions but not peace. A wooden cross but not a Savior. A beautiful mansion on earth, but not an eternal home in heaven.

When we face times of financial need, it’s natural to imagine how life might be so much better if only we had more money. We might even be tempted to compromise who we are or what we stand for in hopes of improving our financial situation: Stretching the truth on a tax return. Misrepresenting the facts at work to get a step ahead of a coworker. Holding back on giving to the Lord’s work to build our bank accounts. Such actions can be easy to justify from a human standpoint. But God calls us to a higher perspective.

While many people evaluate their financial success by what they can accumulate in the here and now, God calls us to measure financial success from an eternal perspective. The words of Psalm 37:16 help us maintain the right priorities

Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.

The temptation to chase wealth and financial security are very strong. It’s easy to assume that life would so much better if we never had to think about having enough money. Yet we will be sadly disappointed if we commit our lives to accumulating the things this world has to offer. Such wealth will never endure. True success and fulfillment is found in devoting our lives to priorities that reach far beyond ourselves and our own ambitions. When we focus on spiritual goals, we will accumulate riches that endure for eternity.

What are some examples of “riches” that will endure for all eternity? How do we pursue those riches?

How much emphasis do you place on accumulating eternal riches? How can you make this a bigger priority in your life?

Be a Giver

Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; 11:42

The story is told of a man stumbling through the desert, dying of thirst. Literally hours from death, he came across a deserted town with an ancient, rusty pump in the middle of the square. Overjoyed, he grabbed the handle and began pumping the well. His enthusiasm died when he realized nothing was coming out. But then he saw a note carved into an old plank nearby. It read simply, “Under this board is a jug of water. To get water from the pump, prime it by pouring all the water into the pump shaft. Make sure you refill the jug for the next person.”

The man lifted the plank, grabbed the jug, and sure enough, it was almost full of water. But now he had a dilemma. If he drank the water, he might live long enough to get back to the main road. But if he poured the water down the pump, he could end up with more water than he’d ever need. Or maybe the message was wrong and he’d have nothing at all.

Reluctantly, he poured the water down the pump and began working the handle. One minute… two minutes…nothing. What had he done? But then a little stream began to flow. Before long it was gushing pure, cool water. He drank all he could hold, then filled his empty canteen as well as another jug he found in a nearby building. Finally, he refilled the priming jug and replaced it. As he left, he added to the note on the plank: “This really does work. You just have to trust it.”

There are times when our financial status leaves us feeling a little like that man stranded in the desert—desperate, endangered, and definitely lacking. Yet no matter how little we have, God calls upon us to be givers, helping others in times of need. It’s times like those when we need an extra portion of faith to follow Christ’s clear command in Luke 6:38...

Give, and it will be given to you....
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

How do you respond when facing an especially difficult financial crisis? Do you go into "converve" mode and search desperately for ways to recapture a sense of security? That's a common response. Bud God's command is clear: Be willing to sacrifice for others, even when you have only a little. You might be suprised at the blessings He will pour into your life.

What are some ways we can give to others in need, even when we're lacking resources ourselves? Name some specific things we can give to the needy besides money.

How can you overcome the temptation to anxiously hoard your resources in times of need and opt instead to be a give in whatever ways you are able?

God Is Enough

Philippians 4:11,19; James 1:17

There it is, mingled in your daily mail. The large, brown envelope declares: “You may already be a winner!” If you’re like most people, you probably open it, then begin dreaming about the wide array of prizes that could be yours just for returning the enclosed entry card. You’re invited to choose the type of luxury automobile you desire, and decide if you want the millions in a lump sum or twenty yearly installments. Without a doubt, the creators of these mailings do a great job of helping us envision what life might be like if we had everything we ever wanted.

But would such good fortune really make for a happier life? Would we be more satisfied if every earthy desire was met? When we begin our relationship with Christ, He gives us a new perspective, one that looks to Him for provision and contentment. This outlook allows us to maintain incredible joy no matter our current circumstances, and not be crushed or disillusioned when the things of this world elude us. Instead, we can echo with the Apostle Paul these incredible words of divine confidence and trust found in Philippians 4:19.

My God will meet all your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Note that this verse doesn’t go into specifics regarding what we will have or lack. Nor does it indicate that it’s better to be rich, or poor for that matter. It’s simply a statement of confidence that God will bring into our lives everything we need to live and function according to His plans for us.

In essence, God changes our definition of the word “contentment” when we follow Him. We can now be at peace with our circumstances no matter where we find ourselves. If we have plenty, we rejoice in the opportunity to use those resources to help others and further His kingdom. If we’re experiencing hard times, we rest in the assurance that God will provide in His way and His timing. He allows us to break free from the overpowering tendency to seek money as the answer to a happy, fulfilled life. Once we’ve experienced true life in Him, we know that, indeed, He is enough.

Why do you think people struggle to be content with what they have? Why do we tend to want more money and possessions, no matter how much we already have?

Are you content with what God has given you at this point in your life? Explain.

Do you think you could be content with your life if God never gave you more than just enough to “get by,” or if you never possessed more than you do right now? Explain.

God Cares

Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:6, 7

Have you ever faced a serious financial crisis? Maybe you lost your job or received a substantial cut in pay. Perhaps an unexpected medical problem resulted in bills you could never afford. Many people in recent years have seen their mortgage payments rise substantially, leaving them struggling to keep up. And a good number of families have watched their personal debt rise to the point that they’re staring at bankruptcy.

Now imagine that you find yourself in this situation, and it becomes obvious that no one seems concerned with your dilemma, much less willing to help. In fact, even your closest friends would rather point out your mistakes or criticize decisions that led to the problem. What an incredibly lonely and frustrating situation that would be.

Sadly, many faithful Christians have found themselves in this very position. Maybe you’ve been part of that group yourself. Perhaps you’re there right now. The good news is that we’re not alone or overlooked when financial crises come. Our God is deeply and intimately concerned with our problems, and His incredible compassion is vividly illustrated by Christ’s words in Luke 12:7.

The very hairs of your head are numbered. Don’t be afraid;
you are worth more than many sparrows.

The message is clear. God places a value on us that is unmeasurable. His knowledge of our lives, our cares, and our fears reaches beyond comprehension. So, when you find yourself suffocating under the anxiety of financial stress, look to God for help. When you don’t know where to turn, and it seems like you’re all alone, give your burden to the Lord. He knows your needs. He sees your challenges. He understands the struggles. Trust Him for wisdom, strength, and provisions. Find comfort in the assurance of two simple but powerful words: God cares.

Why do you think some people struggle with the concept that God cares deeply about the problems and needs they face? Why is it important to recognize that He does indeed care?

How would you respond to a friend who said to you, “I’ve made some really bad decisions, and now my finances are a disaster. I want to pray for help, but why would God even listen to me after what I’ve done?”

Our Top Priority

Matthew 6:11, 33; 7:7

It happens to all of us. We get up in the morning full of anticipation to tackle that big project at work or around the house. We’ve put it off for weeks until finally the day comes that we can devote totally to the task at hand.

But no sooner do we dig into our mission than the interruptions and annoyances begin. The telephone rings. We have to meet someone for lunch. The furnace stops working and we hurry to arrange for a repairman. A neighbor or coworker comes by to chat. Before we know it, the day is half gone and there’s no time to complete the project. Once again, we’re putting it off for another time.

Such a scene is all too common. We become so engrossed in our day-to-day needs and problems that we lose sight of the big picture. A similar thing can happen in our spiritual lives, as we become so caught up with the basic needs of living that we forget what’s most important: growing in our relationship with God. Jesus offered some good instruction on this very topic in Matthew 6:33.

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.

Make no mistake: our financial responsibilities are very real. We do need to pay the mortgage, put food on the table, and set aside money for the kids’ college education. And sometimes, when times are tough, these can become heavy burdens. Tragically, in the urgency of taking care of these needs, our pursuit of God fades into the background.

But the Lord reminds us that there’s a priority even higher than daily necessities: His kingdom. As we seek His face, praying that His plans would be accomplished through us, we can rest in the assurance that He provides for our every need. God is worthy of our trust as we make Him our top priority.

What does it mean to “seek [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness”? How, specifically, do we pursue that goal?

What kinds of problems and responsibilities tend to weigh most heavily upon you? What steps can you take so ensure that you continue to seek God’s kingdom first when these issues threaten to become overwhelming?

Don’t Let Worry Overwhelm You

Psalm 37:4; Matthew 6:31,32
Do you ever struggle with worry? The challenges of life can leave us all feeling a little anxious at times. Yet we’re wise to guard against letting this emotion dominate our lives. Sadly, worry is one of the most destructive forces that can strike at the heart of a believer.

Toward the end of her life, the acclaimed Christian author Corrie ten Boom said it well: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of sorrows; it empties today of strength.” The problem with worry is that it diverts our attention away from God and plants it firmly on the present situation. In Matthew 6:32,33, Jesus puts the struggles of life in perspective.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ...Your heavenly father knows that you need [these things].

Financial struggles form one of the most common sources of worry. It can be challenging to maintain your sense of peace and well-being when you don’t know how the bills are going to get paid. Yet in those times it’s most important for us to place our cares in God’s hands.

God knows exactly where you’re at today. He sees every care, every concern, and every crisis. And He is both willing and able to provide for you. He can open doors to answered prayer that reach beyond your imagination, asking only that you trust Him. So seek His face today, and leave your problems in His capable hands.

What are some ways worry can be a destructive force in our lives?

Why do you think it’s so tempting to become caught up in worry even when we know God is able and willing to meet our needs?

What are some situations that tend to cause you worry? What negative impact has worry had on you in the past? How can you overcome worry when hard situations arise, and maintain a sense of peace in your heart?

Giant Faith

Luke 17:6

The story is told of a great stunt man who strung a rope across Niagara Falls to perform a daring high wire act. A huge crowd formed as he made his way back and forth over the Falls. The excitement level grew as he added a bicycle, then a wheelbarrow to the act. Finally he asked the crowd, “Do you believe I can carry a man across the wire?” His request was met with loud cheers. The performer then singled out one especially enthusiastic observer and asked, “Do you really believe I can carry a man over the Falls?”

“Yes!” came the immediate reply.

The great entertainer smiled as he shot back, “Okay, then. Hop on my back and let’s go!”

Within a matter of seconds the suddenly reluctant volunteer retreated into the crowd.

Why do you think the spectator balked at the offer of being carried on the high wire? Obviously he believed in the stunt man’s talents. But he lacked the faith to truly put that belief to the test.

In many ways, the spectator’s response in this story mirrors the difference between belief and faith in the Christian life. Many people believe in God as the creator and highest power of the universe. But they struggle with putting that belief to the test when it comes time to trust God. Sadly, these people fail to realize the great power and possibilities of faith that Jesus described in Luke 17:6.

If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it will obey you.

Financial struggles are among the most challenging crises we will ever face. Few situations are more frightening than when we don’t know if we will have the funds for even the basic necessities of life. In those moments, we can feel like our faith is small and feeble, almost overwhelmed by the desire to take the burden solely upon ourselves.

But money problems also present an opportunity to let our trust in God shine. He wants us to place full confidence in Him, believing that He will intervene to meet our needs. Are you facing such a crisis today? Take a step of faith by placing your trust in the Lord. You might be amazed at how faith that seems to feeble will bring about incredible results. In the end you'll discover that God is indeed faithful.

How do you define the word "faith"? What's the difference between faith and belief?

When you face a time of crisis, in what ways is your faith demonstrated in your actions? How can you demonstrate faith in God during times of financial struggle?