Discipling Consumers

In a recent message Mike Erre ended by quoting one of his favorite authors (although I didn't catch his name), "It is impossible to disciple consumers."

In only six words a powerful battle is exposed. I am no stranger to this battle. Neither are Fortune 500 members, homeless folks, college students, recently unemployed masses, or common civilians from all over the world.

The idea is generosity, the battle permeates everything because "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).

I took a WONDERFUL class called Generation Debt, taught by Chad Coltman at RockHarbor. It outlined the idea of stewardship in the bible, specifically in relation to financial resources. Although we are entrusted with stewardship in many capacities, the most obvious and greatest source of tension within us seems to be monetary. I made sure to dedicate myself to total honesty as I created an excel spreadsheet and tracked EVERY expenditure for a few months. Some months my jaw hit the floor, and others I ran around excited announcing to people how good it felt to stay within my means. Not included in my budget was tything.

Last Sunday as Mike shared, with direct, irrefutable points in scripture, how a Christian is commanded to steward GOD's resources, GOD decided to make a point directly to Tina. "As HE inspired and taught me to reduce my stable expenditures (those that do not change...such as car insurace) from roughly $1000 per month to $764 per month HE was also creating in me a position to give generously."

Mike continued to explain that even in the midst of rough financial times, unknown futures with one's career, and a society obsessed with consumerism it is through generosity that one becomes free. Mike also pointed out that it is fallacy to believe that "when surplus income arrives generosity will be easier." This point has been made by Fortune 500 members as they express that each new "toy" require maintenance, updated versions, and regular flaunting.

In my personal life, I have experienced SO MUCH joy and freedom as my stable expenditures have dropped. I don't carry anxity about overdraft fees, or worry that my checks will bounce. But Mike's message, and GOD's corresponding point, are challenging me to puruse greater joy and freedom in investing back into the institution(s) that developed growth in me and will be a source of growth, comfort, discipleship, and support for hundreds of others WORDLWIDE.

And, as much of our world is focused on the negative, I think it is worth while to put a spotlight on GOD's grace. I would encourage others of us to share our stories on blogs, e-mails, and webcites so that as a body in CHRIST we can see where HE is moving within our community..!


Have a GREAT Sunday...

GOD BLESS!!!