This is the first of two posts based on notes I took during a recent church service on the subject of establishing money margin. The first post will discuss the assumptions about money we have when we aren’t letting God drive our thoughts. The second post will discuss God’s perspective on money, or living in His economy. Both approaches have implications on our lives. I highly recommend you visit Preston Trail to listen to this sermon by Paul Basden (senior pastor).
The sermon began with a simple question in which many people are looking for the answer today: We could all use a little more money margin in our lives, right? For whatever reasons, at some point in time, it has become the norm to not have money margin.
What is a lack of money margin? It’s being contacted by creditors, overrun with debt and spending money to please people we don’t care about. It’s spending more money than you make in a single month!
Man’s assumptions about money
If God isn’t driving our thoughts about money then there are a number of worldly assumptions one will make. I recommend you read each of the assumptions shared during the message and preface them with:
If God isn’t driving my thoughts about money, I will more than likely think…
Money brings me happiness
Without God, you think money will bring more happiness in life. You will believe buying more will make you feel better, have more confidence and all your problems will be solved. In general, the belief is life will become easier and a lot more fun with money for our toys and entertainment.
Money defines who I am
You will equate having a lot of money with achieving success. Cars, often referred to as status symbols, are great examples. Car commercials will lead you to believe that if you purchase a particular manufacturer and model you’ll be worth more in society. People will be drawn to you and want to follow you because they think you’re successful.
Money is mine to spend as I want it
You will see money as your money. You can spend it however you please. If you make a lot of money you can spend more money. No one has any right to tell you how to use your money because you worked hard for it and it’s up to you to decide how you use it.
I’m not responsible for my financial situations
If you’re buried in a bad financial situation, it’s not your fault. You’re a victim of powers beyond your control. You got in a lot of debt and can’t make payments, but it was because the bank approved you for a loan you couldn’t afford. Sound familiar?
The best advice is found out there in the world
You look to magazines, famous financial experts and the news for the best financial advice. You think all these people have the answers. If they get the right tip everything will be different. Your underlying assumption is the best financial advice is in the brain of an expert!
What are the implications of following worldly assumptions about money?
So, how do these assumptions which drive behavior (your thoughts drive actions) play out in peoples’ lives? In other words, what are the implications of following these worldly assumptions about money?
Spending tends to be completely selfish
There are two driving forces as it relates to spending based on worldy thoughts and assumptions. There is competitive spending and therapeutic spending. Competitive spending is spending to always out do your neighbor. You have to have more than your neighbor in order to feel better about yourself. Theraputic spending will make you feel better or dull any pain in life.
Saving will seem senseless
Why would you save money if you have to prove something to others? It doesn’t do you any good to save.
Giving will seem senseless
You would never give if it means you will lose money. Rather, you want to do things to make or get more money.
Results of these implications in society today
Living by these assumptions makes money margin a mirage. For many it seems as if having margin is an impossibility. According to our pastor, the 2009 average consumer credit card debt was $16,000. Corporate and national debt is off the charts. Tax payer burden is up as a result!
But, as our pastor states, this is when God is at His best. There is hope if people turn to God in their financial crisis. God can get people out of the mess and perform miracles.
Stay tuned for the second post to see how our thoughts and actions change when living in God’s economy.
What do you think about these assumptions about money if God isn’t driving your thought process?
