This is week 2 in the “Generosity Shift” series.
A tale of two diners
Ben told us a story of two diners sitting down together for
a meal at a restaurant. When handed the
menu, one is a “left hand column” person, who looks almost exclusively at the food
column. The other is a “right hand
column” person who looks almost exclusively at the price column. This story illustrates two different approaches
to personal finances.
The “left hand column”
person
The “left hand column” person believes that the money they
have is there to be spent and has a freedom and lack of anxiety when spending
it. This seems to be a relaxed and carefree
approach. However, although day-to-day
they may not be concerned about spending money, they may be very concerned at points
when they don’t have enough money, for example at the end of the month, or when
an unexpected bill arrives, or at Christmas.
They may not know exactly what is in their bank account, and may find
themselves borrowing money and unable to give generously.
The “right hand
column” person
The “right hand column” person believes that they need to be
careful with what they spend, keep receipts and detailed accounts of what they have
spent and how much is left. This seems
to be a disciplined and “in control” approach.
However, day-to-day they may have fear and anxiety about spending money,
and not enjoy what they have, and may be tempted to hoard money and not be free
to give generously.
Anxiety over our
finances
No matter which type of person we incline towards, we can
all suffer fear, guilt, anxiety and shame about money, and find ourselves
restricted in being able to give generously.
We often feel we have a gap between where we are now and
where we want to be in respect of our finances.
We can think we just need to earn more money to bridge the gap, but life
shows us that if we do earn more money then what we think we need increases, and
so the gap and worry remain.
More money is not the
answer
More money does not change us, but simply makes us more of
who we already are. If we have fear and
anxiety now about money, then having more money actually increases that fear
and anxiety. If we are wise but generous
now with our finances, then this also increases with more money.
Settling is not the answer
Settling for where we are with our finances is not the answer. Settling does not lead to living joyfully, or
to living with contentment. If we aim at
nothing, we will hit that every time! To
be joyful and contented we must have a target to aim at, and do something with the
provision that we have been given from God.
Freedom from anxiety
Jesus died to take away guilt and shame, and bought us peace,
joy and freedom. We need to be aligned
to God in how we think about and handle money.
Jesus commands us not to worry (Matt 6 v 25-34, Phil 4 v
6-7), and calls us to have faith that He will provide for our needs. We are called to live a joyful, generous and
abundant life within the provision that He gives.
The secret of being
content
The apostle Paul says “I have learned to be content whatever
the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what
it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and
every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in
want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4 v
11-13).
Paul mentions that there is a secret in v12, and explains
what it is in v13. We often quote these
separately, and don’t link them together.
The secret of being content in all circumstances is to trust
Jesus to give us whatever strength we need in our circumstances.
Be Grateful
Thankfulness is an attitude and lifestyle. The
Bible says to “rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks
in all circumstances” (1 Thes 5 v 16-18).
The enemy want us to focus on what we lack, but God wants us
to focus on what we have. Something
powerful happens when we commit ourselves to thankfulness; it transforms and
renews our mind and brings joy and freedom.
Write a budget
A budget is not about managing your money – that is what you
do, but not what a budget is about.
A budget helps us to use all that God has given us for His
glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
This is what budgeting is about. It
enables us to set aside money to give and bless others.
Generosity is not a momentary act, it is a nurtured
lifestyle.
Questions
- Are you a “left hand column” or a “right hand column” person regarding meals out (see above), and does this reflect your wider approach to finances?
- How anxious are you about your finances?
- Why is being content in all circumstances a ‘secret’? Explain in your own words what that ‘secret’ is (see Phil 4 v 11-13).
- Do you have a budget? If not, do you need help to write one? If you do have one, then does it need to be updated so that you can keep growing in generosity and faith?
- See how long you can go round the group mentioning one thing you are thankful to God for, but not repeating something someone else has said!
