Ka-Ching-Onomics: "Stuff"

Series: Kachingonomics
"Stuff" by Ted Beasley - February 11, 2007

In the message today, Ted talked about how we can get some distorted views about the value of money and things and whether "stuff" can give us what we want in our lives. Let’s try to make these ideas personal.

1. Think about the following idea for a minute: What does money mean to you in your life? Try to come up with a metaphor/comparison of what money is to you. (Fill in the blank: To me, money is like _________ ... For example: a can of paint – because you can use it to cover up dirty spots.) If nothing comes to you, see if you can choose something from the list below.

A) A Sugar Daddy: Not having to worry about paying the bills
B) An Enforcer: Being able to get other people to do things my way
C) American Express Platinum: Having people respect me
D) "The root of all evil": Something that eats up your soul
E) Aspirin: Makes the pain go away
D) Gasoline: A way to keep moving through life
G) Fertilizer: something to spread around and make things grow

Write down as many things as you like that capture what money “means” to you. Then share a bit about at least one. (10 minutes)

2. Now, let’s get even more specific: Is there some “thing” that has been high on your personal wish-list for a long time - or something that you think would absolutely delight you? Write that down and then write down what you think will make you happy about having it. (Be honest… you wouldn’t want it if you didn’t think it would give you something of value.) Now, pair off (if you are in a group) and tell a partner what that "thing" is and why you'd like to have it. (5 minutes)

3. Now, still with your discussion partner... have you ever wanted something for a long time and finally gotten it? What was that experience like? (5 minutes)

4. Based on the paired discussions above, take some time in the larger group to share some thoughts about our desires, the kinds of enjoyment we hope to get from “things”, and what it feels like to get something we REALLY wanted. (10 – 15 minutes)

5. Now, let’s shift gears and take Ted’s suggestion from the message: Look back over the last few weeks, and try to identify a time when you experienced true satisfaction. Can you point to some moments, big or small, in which you experienced a real sense of fullness in life? Can you explain what made it special? Pair up again and spend some time describing those expericences to your partner. (5 – 10 minutes)

6. Finally, let’s put these ideas together (Your material “wants”, what you hope to get from them, and the things that really satisfy you). Ted talked about Satan’s lies about what will make you happy. Can you identify one lie that you have a tendency to fall for? Share that with your discussion partner. After each of you shares, the two of you work together to come up with an “answer” to each of your "lie issues". (i.e., Try to find a "Truth" about how to really get that wish met, apart from the "stuff". For example, a "truth" answer to the idea that money will give you influence is to think of the most influential people in your life: they were probably people who were full of character, not people who had a lot of money. Another answer could be that no influence we have in this life will last except the things that God works through us. ) (10 - 15 minutes)

Next Steps
If you come up with a "Truth" you think will be useful to you, write that down on a small piece of paper or index card and carry it around with you. During the next week, if you find yourself thinking about that “thing” you want… take out your truth and read it. Then ask God to help you want things that do satisfy - HIS things... and thank Him when you get those moments of true fullfilment.

Scripture verses from the Message:

"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
Luke 12:15

“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
Luke 12:24

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Romans 12:2

“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News.”
II Corinthians 4:4

“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
I John 5:19:

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. "
I Timothy 6:6

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. "
I Timothy 6:17

"For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it . . . For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
I Timothy 6:7 and 10

"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. "
I Timothy 6:18-19

Other Bible passages:
Genesis 2 and Genesis 3

I Corinthians 13

Related Next-Step Resources:

Other reading on the topic:

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

(all available at Gateway's Bookstore)

Prior Sunday message on The Lombardi Trophy and the Parrot - February 4, 2007 (audio available at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive)