Insights from ROCK Night-Wednesday Night Small Group Bible Study ENOUGH, Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity, by Adam Hamilton.
When Dreams Become Nightmares-Part I
God’s vision of financial management brings joy that the American Dream never can and never will bring.
What is the “American Dream?” Most people would currently describe or define the American Dream as having the opportunity to pursue and gain more than what we already have or need. We want to consume, acquire, and buy our way to happiness and we want it now. We ultimately measure our success by the stuff we possess.
Most people would currently agree the American Dream has become the “American Nightmare.” This nightmare is a result of two distinct yet related illnesses (Affluenza and Credit-itis) that impact us both socially and spiritually. Affluenza-The constant need for more and bigger stuff. Credit-itis-An illness that is brought on by the opportunity to buy now and pay later. Credit-itis feeds Affluenza. Most of us have been infected by this virus to some degree.
Symptoms of Affluenza and Credit-itis
Impulse spending-You look at your W2 and wonder, “What happened?”
Upside down houses/cars, Poor Credit, Declining Savings,
Increased use or maxed out credit cards. Cash advances on credit card to pay other debts.
Increased self-storage space
Pay only the minimal due or pay bills late incurring fees or penalties.
Argue with family over money matter, fatigue, sleepless nights
Don’t know how much you owe or which bill to pay first
Don’t answer phone for fear of bill collector-have creditors calling you at home or work
Not giving God His “one banana.” Stress not enjoying simplicity and generosity.
THERE IS HOPE: Scriptures to meditate on:
1 John 2:16, I Timothy 6:10, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Matthew 16:26, Luke 16:11, Proverbs 22:7
Notable Quote: Pastor Lonnie D. Wesley, III “Tell the Joneses you have had ENOUGH they win. The competition is over. They can have the bigger and better stuff.”
Start working on the first draft of the My Life and Financial Goals Worksheet.
Prepare for next week. Join us next Wednesday for Bible Study as we look at The Deeper Problem Within and The Bible’s Solution. Reread chapter one When Dreams Become Nightmares and answer the questions on pages 27 and 28. Put your Contentment Tags (located in the back of your book) on your key chain. Give contentment tags to others in your household that need to be reminded of the difference between need and wants. Stop by the bookstore and pick up additional tags for free.
Our youth ages 6-7 are doing the study The ABC’s of Handling Money God’s Way, by Howard&Bev Dayton. They need to read chapter 3 before class. Youth ages 8-10 are studying The Secret of Handling Money God’s Way, by Howard & Bev Dayton. They need to read chapter 2 before class.
Where are you? Young Adults ages 18-39 are missing in action? We have a Wednesday night class just for you. Get on board and join us in the journey to becoming better stewards.
