INTRODUCTION
Ultimately, feeling guilty about our wealth or becoming more aware of others' needs has a relatively small impact on our generosity. Instead, they are short-term motivators for giving. The longstanding factor that alters our attitudes about money is viewing wealth through the lens of eternity; looking at our wealth in the context of eternity loosens our grip on our stuff, which loosens its grip on us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- If you received a letter from the IRS informing you that you were getting a refund equal to 10 percent of your annual salary, what would you do with it?
- List some "rich people" problems that you have personally experienced?
- Are there "smart rich people" and "dumb rich people"? What does it mean to be good at being rich?
- Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. What's the difference between putting hope in wealth and putting hope in God? Where are you placing your hope?
- Read Luke 12:13-21. In what ways can you demonstrate being rich towards God?
- How does your view of eternity affect your view on wealth? What specific changes can you make to become rich towards God?
THINK ABOUT IT
There's more to this life than this life. In other words, life is more than hoarding more wealth and more possessions; you can't take your money or your possessions with you once you die. Chances are most of us will run out of time before we run out of money. How can we be rich the right way while we still have the time?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
What can you do this week to start laying up treasure for life after death?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
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.
1 Timothy 6:19