Enough: Affluenza and Credit-itis

Listen to this morning's sermon. The video should be up later in the day.

Here are some of my notes:

One of the biggest issues with our economy is our need for instant gratification – using tomorrow’s money to pay for today’s lifestyle. The problem is: Tomorrow going to come. For some, tomorrow is already here.

1 Timothy 6:17

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

Joy and contentment are found in simplicity, generosity, faith, and in pursuing God’s purpose for our lives. Scripture is going to challenge us to re-evaluate what constitutes the good life.

Luke 12:15

Life is not measured by how much you own.

The Bible doesn’t say having money is a sin. Money is morally neutral. But, when money becomes the most important thing in our life, we are going to be disappointed.

Ecclesiastes 5:10

Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Matthew 16:26

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

Affluenza - noun - The bloated, sluggish, and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses. An epidemic of stress, overwork, waste, and indebtedness caused by a relentless pursuit of affluence.

Credit-itis - noun - The opportunity to buy now and pay later.

Matthew 6:33

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

• Consumption is not bad. God gives us the world to enjoy.
• Excess and unfunded consumption is bad.
• God’s creation was not intended to replace God and bring burdens to our lives.

John 10:10

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Luke 8:14

The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God!

Practices to implement a biblical worldview

1. Start where you are. It is the only place you can start.
2. Be simple. Our lives don't need to be any more complex.
3. Be generous. With money, time, energy, and prayers.
4. Be responsible. Commit to not funding today's lifestyle with tomorrow's resources.
5. Seek God first.

This sermon was based on Chapter 1 of Enough by Adam Hamilton.