039 Decision Making 101: A Question of Money, Pt. 1
One of the biggest concerns most people have is the economy. And rightly so. The statistics are troubling. Huge numbers of Americans are deeply in debt, declaring bankruptcy, and living way beyond their means. The consequences of poor decisions about money are devastating.
Why do we struggle so much with money? It’s because we’ve allowed our culture to form the question instead of God’s Word. The questions our culture asks are: Is it on sale? Can I afford it? How much is my credit limit? What will the monthly payments be? When do I have to start paying?
Instead, God’s Word tells us to ask this simple question: Is it wise?
Andy Stanley teases out that question this way: In light of my past financial experience, my current financial picture, and my future financial hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do?
Think back on your financial decisions. Can you imagine where you would be today if you had asked that question? Can you imagine how much less stress would be yours? Can you imagine how freer you might be? Can you imagine how much more you could have released to God’s Kingdom purposes?
In his book Mastering Your Money, Ron Blue points out that there are really only 5 things you can do with your money.
Spend it.
Repay debt.
Pay taxes.
Save it.
Give it.
This is the order of priority most of us live by. But what would it be like if we flipped the list? I believe this is what God teaches in the Scripture…and we’re going to talk about that in the next episode.
Note – The book “The Best Question Ever” by Andy Stanley served as a major resource for Dave’s study.
Text: Ephesians 5:15-17
Originally recorded January 27, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.