Ka-Ching-Onomics: "Plastic"

Series: Ka-Ching-Onomics: " Plastic"
February 18, 2007 - Ted Beasley

Last week’s message laid out the foundation for understanding money issues in our life… what role material possessions play – and what God tells us about real treasure and where we can find it. This week Ted talked to us about a very practical challenge in getting our real lives lined up with the reality of God’s treasures. Assuming God has worked on our heart to change our attitude about “stuff”, we might still have a lot of life-litter left, and some of it might require some big payments. So let’s talk about debt:

This is a difficult topic to talk about with other people. Just today (02-18-07) the Austin-American Statesman had a front page article about people who talk about their debt issues in on-line blogs, but can’t talk to their own family members about them. It’s a sensitive issue. So, for starters, let’s remind ourselves that our best and safest focus is what God thinks, not what other people think… and this exercise is about letting Him tell us what He thinks. (And as always… ALL sharing is voluntary!)

1. Maybe a good way to start, would be to think about why this is an important topic to God. Spend a few minutes talking about the “price” we pay if we let debt build up in our lives – usually way above and beyond the interest charged. Share a specific, real experience (either now or in the past) about problems caused by debt, for you or someone else you’ve known (without names or identifying features if someone else!). (10 – 15 minutes)

2. Since this series is about freedom – let’s also talk about some personal examples of the freedom we can have if we DON’T have to deal with debt: Think for a minute about something you spent money on in the last few weeks that you really felt good about; or alternatively, something you REALLY wanted to do, but couldn’t because of debt overload. (These can be “eternal” investments - things that we know God was prompting us to do or we knew were the right thing to do, or they can just be normal, personal things.) Identify what was the delight/blessing you think you got from the experience or that you missed if your hands were tied by debt. Share these and use the discussion to get a focus on what a debt-free life looks like. If possible, make a list. (15 – 20 minutes)

3. Let’s carry on a bit with the freedom picture: does the idea of freedom from debt look good, but seem too far away, or too hard to get there? Maybe a “case study” could help. Are you someone who has made the climb out of debt? If so, give a short synopsis of your story: Where you were, what triggered your behavior change, how you got started in getting free, and where you are now. If no one in the group has a debt story, no worries… God works other kind of miracles that can be encouraging: Let one person who has been able to change from a seemingly impossible habit, talk about their story. Have you had an experience like that? Think for a minute about whether you can believe that God can change your circumstances if debt is a problem with your name on it. (10 minutes)

4. Now, let’s get specific and personal: To use Ted’s expression: Is your “clue phone” ringing on debt? If so, do you feel comfortable putting that on the table right now? (Since the focus here is debt, try to stay with that focus if you can, but if you are sure that’s not your problem right now, do you have a different clue phone ringing? If so, you can finish the exercise, with that in mind.) Take time to share any “ah-ha” with the group on what your message is, as time permits and you feel comfortable. (10 minutes)

5. If you do think God is prompting you to answer the phone right now, just pause for 2-3 minutes and take a message:

• What is He telling you your life could be like if you let Him help you make a change?
• What “next step” is He prompting you take within in the next three days to start down the road?
• Can you commit to taking time to go to God about this and to think more about what steps should come after that first step – a plan?
  
  Write that down any commitment you’ve made along with any action ideas, and also write down two "God appointment times" to take step #1, and then to work out a plan. Commit to keeping that paper with you until you’ve fulfilled the commitments. Be sure to ask for God’s power in whatever next steps He has for you. (5 minutes)
  

Scripture verses from the message:

"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
Proverbs 22:7

“But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven.”
John 3: 12-13

“After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!” "
Luke 15: 15-17

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. "
Proverbs 27:12

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
Proverbs 14:23

“Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.”
Proverbs 6:5

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.”
Luke 15: 20-24

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us...”
Ephesians 3:20

Other Scripture passages:

Matthew 7: 24 – 29
(Where do we build our lives?….)

Related Next-Step Resources:

Good Sense Workshop - Gateway U: March 9 & 10.

• Sign up and get more info here.

Other readings on financial health:

• Financial Peace Revisited by David Ramsey
• Total Money Makover by David Ramsey
• Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn

(all available at Gateway's Bookstore)