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“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

The Road to Greed – Luke 12:12-21 The Story of the Rich Farmer

Jesus: “speaking to the people, he went on, ‘Take Care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have…’

• “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of…a little more. It’s the American way!
• I want just a bit more…I’d like the newer model…We really need a bigger…
• “You know, I’ve really done well for myself”
• “I’ve made it!” It’s time to take it easy and have the time of my life – Retirement and a home in the Caribbean, on the beach!

What’s it look like:

• When I’ve crossed the line from managing money to becoming anxious about it
• When I begin comparing what others have with what I have
• Focusing on what I don’t have rather than being thankful for what I do have
• Being fearful of giving – how will we make it if I give this much?

Over 50% of the members of any given Christian congregation donate little or nothing towards the church’s upkeep and ministries

1/3 to ½ support the church; 3% to 5% of those who donate money to the church tithe (give 10%)

The average amount of money given to a U.S. Christian church by a member in 2004 was $691.93 per year or $13.31 per week

Giving by North Americans to the church, was higher during the Great Depression (3.3% of per capita income) that after a half century of unprecedented prosperity in 2004 (2.5% of per capita income).

The Quest’s Giving Statistics 2009:

• 82 giving units
• About 35% tithe
• About 65% give an average of $38. per week or less
• About 45% give an average of $19. per week or less
• With a budget of $19,000. per month, each of the 82 giving units would have to give $231. per month to meet budget
• 2009 Total Giving:

The Road to Generosity is characterized by:

• Trust in God- Philippians 4: 19
• A Giving Heart- 2 Corinthians 8: 1-6
• Compassion- 1 John 3: 16, 17
• Taking a risk; not playing it safe- Matthew 25: 14-30

How would you describe your life? Is your life characterized by comfort? God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.

What are you doing right now that requires faith?

Connection Group Questions:

These questions also work well for personal time with God.

• Are you on he road to greed?
• Are you willing to be obedient, even if it doesn’t feel “safe”?
• Is it ‘your’ money? Why or why not?
• Is your life defined by what you have?
• Do you trust God with your finances? Really! No Really?
• Do you think you have a giving heart?
• Is your sense of accomplishment in material things?