This was my Facebook posting, but it’s really a blog post…
So every year my heart is torn.
If I buy nothing today (and there’s a good chance of this) will I get blamed for the slow economy? I know they are all trying to pin it on everyone but themselves up in washington? 
happy black friday ya’ll.
Didn’t we just give thanks yesterday for blessings – including having enough?! I’d rather give to the church, our orphanage project in Ecuador, to children’s hospitals, etc. before I get more stuff. I tend to think it’s a moral duty to live on less and give 10% or more(!) of ones income – to make human flourishing a reality – and to free myself from the lies that another “hit” on the purchase drug will make me happy (it won’t the high only lasts about 5 minutes in the store and 5 minutes with the thing at home). Then I find I can enjoy the stuff of American privilege MORE than if I lived for the stuff. (how’s that for a consumption/balance/
Jesus tells us that secondary pleasures of stuff is OK – IF it’s secondary to the work of the Kingdom
(READ THIS 3xs So you understand I am not promoting a false simplicity or affirming rampant consumption on the backs of the world’s impoverished – I believe the right way is usually a Third-way that admits the messiness and looks for creative solutions instead of demonizing the opposite end)
- supporting the local church -ministry (Paul makes this point clearly), teaching, and serving. So I am not a nazi – blindly supporting the nation or the extremes. Christians are not Gnostics – we affirm the goodness and fallen-ness of the creation at the same time. That balance is only maintained by putting Jesus at the center.
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6:19 “Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 6:20 But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -Jesus (Matthew)
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12:30 For all the nations of the world pursue these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 12:31 Instead, pursue his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. -Jesus (Luke)
Herb Miller reminds us: What Is Christian Stewardship?
The short answer: Christian stewardship is the faithful management of all that God gives.
A longer answer: Christian stewardship is gratefully, faithfully, systematically, and proportionally managing all of our time, ability, and financial resources so that God can use them to transform human life spiritually, help hurting people, and reach out to others with Christ’s redeeming love.
In defining the spiritual connection between money and our relationship with God, the Apostle Paul summarizes stewardship like this:
- You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God. Through the testing of this ministry, you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others (2 Corinthians 9:11-13).
Note the twin goals in Paul’s lengthy definition: (1) helping people grow spiritually through their financial giving and (2) providing sufficient resources for the Church’s mission and ministries.
Jesus summed up the spiritual connection between money and God this way: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Luke 12:34).” That verse succinctly defines Christian stewardship: treasure management that helps people to escape the trap of selfishness by keeping their hearts spiritually focused on God.
Each of us makes one of two choices in life:
We either become emotionally attached to our money or we become emotionally attached to the God who gives us our money.
Although we often hope to do both, in our heart we know that cannot happen. Financial stewardship helps us to overcome the temptation to break the First Commandment and put a false idol first, ahead of the God who revealed Himself in Jesus Christ.
The faithful management of everything God gives them helps the givers grow spiritually by committing a percentage of their income to God’s work through their congregation.
New Options For Black Friday Beyond The Lib/Con Divide?
Wonder how a Black Friday Healing, Exorcism and Generosity service would go over?
Along with an altar/extended prayer time for people to take account – literally write down – all the stuff they have. What they have given/what they have received and how we can stimulate the economy through money used differently than more stuff? E.g. supporting innovative companies focused on flourishing? supporting missions better? supporting the work of MCC?
I think we could do this BEFORE one goes shopping. Think how that would honor and challenge the culture we live in (we are in a consumer culture) – but put it under the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
Money is tougher subject than sex, gay marriage, war and abortion… check yourself before you wreck and wreak…