4 Myths about Money:

1. It’s My Money. Whose is it really?  How often you call it yours?  What reminds you it’s His?
2. There’s more Joy in More Money.  Don’t money & happiness go together?
3. You are what you own.  We often define ourselves by stuff.  Where is your identity sourced?
4. Money brings security. How much do you struggle with trusting God more than Visa?

A Word of Warning to those who Want Wealth

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out . And having food and raiment let us be therewith content . But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare,and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after , they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  1 Timothy 6:6-10

Hearses don’t have Trailer Hitches – not U-hauls, not boats, nothing! Once there was a man in an art gallery picking up & carrying around various paintings.  He pretended to be somebody – many of the guests even thought he was an artist or an art dealer.  Yet when closing time came, he could not carry the paintings out the door…  You and I might look or act like ‘owners’ but when this life is over, it is certain that we will leave it all here.  You can’t take it with you!

The SIMPLE LIFE is indeed Satisfying.  At some level, we all crave a slower pace, fewer bills, less stress.  Most of us all long for more time, better relationships, more joy… yet these things are in direct conflict with the rat race of materialism for more.  Many know the promise of Heb. 13:5, but few know the context (When you have nothing and/or no one – you will still have Christ. Is He your enough?)

The Pursuit of Possessions is PAINFUL.  Notice the words describing the pain in vss 9-10: fall, snare, hurtful, drowned, destruction, misery, pierced, sorrow.  The appetite for more destroys its victim from the inside out.  It’s just like gravity… the more mass, the greater force of pull.

Words of Wisdom for the Well-Off and the Wealthy

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded , nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good , that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute , willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come ,that they may lay hold on eternal life.  1 Timothy 6:17-19

I can’t let my money produce Pride.  Money is deceptive, giving it’s owner the illusion of POWER.  Why do we feel better/more confident with new duds, new car, even when nothing about us has truly changed?  The sad part is that, many times, we didn’t even buy it (the bank owns it)!

I shouldn’t set my Hopes in Possessions.  Do I have faith in the blessing or Blesser?  Deuteronomy 8:12-17 almost seems like it’s talking about American during this century, doesn’t it?

I won’t forget to be Rich in Good Works.  I pledge to be rich in ATTITUDE: having a Liberal Heart  – “Never resist a generous urge!”  I further pledge to be rich in ACTIONS: indicated by my Level of Sharing (Luke 3:8,11).