Money: A Tool for Stewardship, Not Ownership
Summary
In today's session, we delved into the intriguing concept of what money might say if it could talk, and how its message aligns with the teachings of Jesus. We explored the idea that money is not the essence of life but rather a tool that can add meaning to it. The core message is that the moment we believe we own our money, it actually begins to own us. This is a profound reminder that our financial habits can enslave us if we are not careful.
We examined the typical financial behaviors that lead to this enslavement, such as allowing our spending to match or exceed our income. This often results in financial pressure, regardless of how much money we make. The more we earn, the more we tend to spend, and this cycle can lead to a form of financial slavery where we are beholden to creditors and financial institutions.
Jesus' teachings provide a counter-narrative to this cycle. He emphasized that life is not about the abundance of possessions and that we are merely managers, not owners, of the wealth we have. This perspective shifts our understanding of money from something we possess to something we are entrusted with. The parable of the talents illustrates this point, showing that we are accountable for how we manage what has been given to us.
This week, we are encouraged to take a practical step by "spying" on our money. This means tracking where our money goes, not to establish a budget, but to become aware of our spending habits. This exercise is crucial because knowing where our money is going helps us manage it responsibly, acknowledging that it is not ours but entrusted to us by God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Money as a Tool, Not the Meaning of Life: Money can add meaning to our lives, but it is not the meaning itself. Jesus taught that life is not about possessions, and we should view money as a tool to serve a greater purpose rather than an end in itself. [04:10]
2. The Illusion of Ownership: The belief that we own our money can lead to financial enslavement. Jesus' teachings remind us that we are managers, not owners, of our wealth. This perspective encourages us to handle money with responsibility and accountability. [08:21]
3. Financial Pressure and Spending Habits: Allowing our spending to match or exceed our income creates financial pressure, regardless of our earnings. This cycle can lead to a form of slavery to creditors, highlighting the importance of living within our means. [06:35]
4. The Parable of the Talents: This parable illustrates that we are accountable for how we manage what has been entrusted to us. It's not about how much we have but what we do with it. This challenges us to be faithful stewards of our resources. [11:26]
5. Spying on Our Money: Tracking our spending is a practical step to becoming better managers of our finances. This exercise helps us understand our financial habits and align them with the principle that we are stewards of God's wealth. [13:24]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:41] - Introduction to "If Money Talked"
[03:26] - The Cycle of Greed
[04:22] - Money's Ownership Warning
[05:00] - Income vs. Spending
[06:35] - Financial Pressure and Slavery
[07:16] - The Illusion of Control
[08:21] - Jesus' Perspective on Ownership
[09:20] - The Parable of the Talents
[10:59] - Accountability in Management
[12:19] - The Importance of Stewardship
[13:24] - Spying on Our Money
[14:42] - Eliminating Financial Mystery
[15:17] - Conclusion and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 12:15 - "Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'"
2. Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the main message money might convey if it could talk? [04:22]
2. How does the sermon describe the typical financial behavior of matching or exceeding income with spending? [05:00]
3. What does the Parable of the Talents illustrate about our role in managing wealth? [09:20]
4. What practical step does the sermon suggest for becoming more aware of our financial habits? [13:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' teaching in Luke 12:15 challenge the common belief about the purpose of money? [03:43]
2. In what ways does the Parable of the Talents redefine the concept of ownership versus stewardship? [09:20]
3. What are the potential consequences of allowing spending to match or exceed income, as discussed in the sermon? [06:35]
4. How might tracking our spending help us align our financial habits with the principle of stewardship? [13:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current financial habits. Do you find yourself in the cycle of spending that matches or exceeds your income? What changes can you make to break this cycle? [05:00]
2. Consider the concept of stewardship presented in the Parable of the Talents. How can you apply this understanding to your financial decisions this week? [09:20]
3. The sermon suggests "spying" on your money to become more aware of your spending habits. What specific steps will you take to track your spending this week? [13:24]
4. How does the idea that "the moment you think you own money, it owns you" resonate with your personal experiences? What steps can you take to shift your perspective on money ownership? [04:22]
5. Jesus taught that life is not about the abundance of possessions. How can you focus on adding meaning to your life beyond material wealth? [03:43]
6. Identify one area in your life where financial pressure is affecting your well-being. What practical steps can you take to alleviate this pressure? [06:35]
7. How can you ensure that your financial decisions reflect the belief that you are a manager, not an owner, of your resources? [08:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Money as a Servant, Not a Master
Money is a tool that can add meaning to our lives, but it should never be the meaning itself. Jesus taught that life is not about the abundance of possessions, and we should view money as a means to serve a greater purpose rather than an end in itself. This perspective encourages us to use our financial resources to enrich our lives and the lives of others, rather than allowing them to dictate our values and priorities. By understanding money as a servant, we can align our financial decisions with our spiritual values and focus on what truly matters. [04:10]
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed money to dictate your priorities? How can you begin to use it as a tool to serve your higher values today?
Day 2: The Illusion of Ownership
The belief that we own our money can lead to financial enslavement. Jesus' teachings remind us that we are managers, not owners, of our wealth. This perspective encourages us to handle money with responsibility and accountability, recognizing that it is a resource entrusted to us. By shifting our mindset from ownership to stewardship, we can free ourselves from the illusion of control and embrace a more liberating approach to our finances. This understanding helps us to be more generous and intentional with how we use our resources. [08:21]
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein." (Psalm 24:1, ESV)
Reflection: How does viewing yourself as a steward rather than an owner change your approach to money? What steps can you take to practice this mindset in your daily financial decisions?
Day 3: Breaking the Cycle of Financial Pressure
Allowing our spending to match or exceed our income creates financial pressure, regardless of our earnings. This cycle can lead to a form of slavery to creditors, highlighting the importance of living within our means. By recognizing this pattern, we can take proactive steps to break free from financial pressure and live more contentedly. This involves making conscious choices to prioritize needs over wants and finding satisfaction in simplicity. By doing so, we can experience greater peace and freedom in our financial lives. [06:35]
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you can simplify and reduce financial pressure? How can you practice contentment with what you have today?
Day 4: Accountability in Stewardship
The parable of the talents illustrates that we are accountable for how we manage what has been entrusted to us. It's not about how much we have but what we do with it. This challenges us to be faithful stewards of our resources, using them wisely and for the benefit of others. By embracing this responsibility, we can make a positive impact in our communities and honor the trust that has been placed in us. This perspective encourages us to be intentional and thoughtful in our financial decisions, seeking to maximize the good we can do with what we have. [11:26]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your resources to serve others and make a positive impact? What specific actions can you take this week to be a faithful steward of what you have been given?
Day 5: Becoming Aware of Our Financial Habits
Tracking our spending is a practical step to becoming better managers of our finances. This exercise helps us understand our financial habits and align them with the principle that we are stewards of God's wealth. By "spying" on our money, we gain insight into where it goes and can make informed decisions to ensure it aligns with our values. This awareness is crucial for responsible financial management and helps us to be more intentional in our spending. By doing so, we can better fulfill our role as stewards and use our resources in ways that honor God. [13:24]
"Whoever is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." (Luke 16:10, ESV)
Reflection: What have you learned about your spending habits through tracking your expenses? How can you adjust your financial practices to better reflect your values and responsibilities as a steward?
Quotes
"Greed, as we discovered, is the assumption that everything that comes our way is for our consumption. That every single dollar that comes my way, it's meant for me. Every dollar that comes your way, it's meant for you. It's meant to spend now, or it's meant to save for later, so you can spend it later. But either way, it's for you, it's for me." [00:03:27]
"Jesus disagreed with this whole idea. In fact, He told us, and He didn't mince words, that life does not consist, life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. In other words, life is not about stuff. Life is not about what you have. Life is not a race for newer, nicer, upgraded, renovated. Life is so much more than that." [00:03:46]
"And your money, Jesus said, is just a tool. In fact, if money could talk, it would remind us: 'I can add meaning to your life, but I'm not the meaning of your life.' Now, this week, we're gonna discuss a second thing our money might tell us if our money could actually talk." [00:04:05]
"The moment you think you own me, I actually own you. The moment you think you own me, I actually own you. Now, to illustrate this, I want us to look at the way the typical American handles their finances. And this is gonna be a little bit disturbing." [00:04:23]
"The truth is, most of us allow our income to actually match or drive our spending. In other words, if you make 45,000 dollars a year, you're gonna spend 45,000 dollars a year. If you make 55,000 dollars a year, spend it. 100,000 dollars a year, spend it. 200,000 dollars a year, spend it." [00:04:59]
"Financial pressure would follow you as well, which will come as a shock because you think, 'If I made that much money, how could I possibly have any financial pressure?' Well, you would be surprised. People who make that much money, but have spent it all. You know, car payments, big mortgage, second mortgage. They feel extraordinary financial pressure." [00:05:39]
"You see, when your life is like this, you actually become a slave. You have purchased or borrowed your way into slavery. Visa, American Express, a student loan. They're actually your master. Now, they don't want to be your master. That's not why they're in business. They're in business to facilitate your happiness." [00:07:09]
"Now, luckily, Jesus addresses this, and spoiler alert: according to Jesus, we don't actually own our money. It's not actually ours, but we think it is, and of course we do. I mean, why wouldn't we? Think about the words we use. You earned it. You made it. You put in the hours, your name is on the paycheck, it was deposited into your account." [00:08:29]
"This is how we know we're not owners. We leave it all behind. We don't own it, we just manage it. And we only manage it for a little while. Which begs the question: Manage it for who? And Jesus answered that question for us in a parable. Now, it's a parable that you might have heard before, and so try not to allow your mind to rush to the end." [00:08:56]
"The point of this parable is simply this: It's not the amount of money that each of these servants was asked to manage. That was outside of their control. The issue wasn't how much they managed. It's what they did with what they were asked to manage. Now, think about this." [00:12:15]
"Do you feel responsible and accountable for how you are managing God's wealth. The wealth that he has entrusted to you. Or are you the kind of financial planner that (laughs) God would have to fire? I mean, could you give an account of where your money's going? Where it's gone, or is it just gone?" [00:13:03]
"Knowing you can know is not the same as knowing, right? The fact that you have access to how much you've spent in different areas is different than sitting down and looking categorically at how much you've spent and where you spent it. So, this week, I want you to look. I want you to keep track. I want you to spy on your money." [00:14:08]
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