Grace United Methodist Church - Franklin, IN
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • What to Expect
    • What We Believe
    • Calendar
    • Upcoming Events
    • Institutional Partners
  • Classes & Small Groups
    • Adult >
      • Classes and Spiritual Formation Opportunities
      • Small Group Locations & Times
    • Youth
    • Children
  • Missions
    • Service Opportunities
    • Ministry Partners
  • Give
    • Giving
    • What is tithing?
    • Narrative Budget
  • Preschool
    • Home
    • Classes
    • Calendar
    • Kroger Community Rewards
  • Resources
    • Sermons
    • Blog
    • The Kids These Days podcast
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • What to Expect
    • What We Believe
    • Calendar
    • Upcoming Events
    • Institutional Partners
  • Classes & Small Groups
    • Adult >
      • Classes and Spiritual Formation Opportunities
      • Small Group Locations & Times
    • Youth
    • Children
  • Missions
    • Service Opportunities
    • Ministry Partners
  • Give
    • Giving
    • What is tithing?
    • Narrative Budget
  • Preschool
    • Home
    • Classes
    • Calendar
    • Kroger Community Rewards
  • Resources
    • Sermons
    • Blog
    • The Kids These Days podcast

Enough: Wisdom and Finance - Proverbs 21:5, 20

9/11/2023

1 Comment

 
Who would you name as one of the wisest people in the world?  In history? What makes them wise?  How did they become wise?  What did they do with said wisdom?  Did any of it have to do with money, wealth or finances?  Does money influence wisdom or vice versa?  What does wisdom have to do with financial stewardship? These are some of the questions you were challenged with as part of our Stewardship Focus based on Adam Hamilton’s book, Enough - Living in Simplicity and Generosity. 
If we were to turn to scripture to find the wisest person in the world, it is said that King Solomon would be our guy. As described in 1 Kings, God granted King Solomon the gift of wisdom, after appearing to Solomon in a dream. Solomon was known throughout the world, he had great wealth and influence, and his council was sought after by many leaders, teachers, and government officials of his time. Later in life, Solomon is thought to have written the book of Proverbs. Some suggest however, he was more of a contributing editor than sole author and that it contains collected wisdom over a long period of time. Nonetheless, Proverbs indeed contains nuggets of truth that do us well to live by.  The glaring question of this very practical and very underrated book of wisdom is quite simple: Are you being wise, or foolish? 
Church, just think of the energy, time, and heartache we would save is we stopped and asked that question; all the hassle, potential conflict, and hard feelings we could potentially avoid if we stopped and asked that simple question before we made our choices and decisions?

There are 135 references to the word money in the bible.  Only four of those references actually define money as a possession; something we own.  All the rest, 131 references, use the Greek and Hebrew forms of the word and define money as a tool or something to be used for gain, payment, investment, or exchange of services.  I wonder what kind of message that information is telling us. 
Good stewardship is about growing our understanding of how the reign of God works and that we are a part of it.  Good stewardship is about allowing God’s Spirit to transform our hearts and trust God with ALL that we have and ALL that we are, including our money.  Good stewardship is about having the kind of wisdom that understands what we are called to do as followers of Jesus; as individuals, families, partners, community, and church.  It is about knowing who we are invited to be as God’s people.  Your money is included in that calling and responsibility from God. 

In his book, Enough, Adam Hamilton writes: “We do not exist simply to consume as much as we can and get as much pleasure as we can while we are here on earth.  We need to know and understand our purpose - our vision or mission or calling and then spend our money in ways that are consistent with this purpose or calling. 
Society tells us our purpose is to consume - to make as much money as possible and then to spend it.  The Bible tells us that we were created to care for God's creation; to love God and our neighbor; to care for the poor and those in need; and to glorify God, seek justice and do mercy.  Our money and possessions then are meant to help fulfill this calling.  
Today, we invite you to ask a simple question:  When it comes to stewarding the  money God provides; the resources you have, ask yourself: Am I being wise, or foolish?  Is discipline key when it comes to money? Yes.  Are good saving, spending, and giving habits significant? Yes. Are budgets and goal setting helpful? Of course.  However, if we can’t answer the question, "Am I being wise or foolish?” in a way that is true and honoring to God, then perhaps we still have some spiritual investing to do and room to grow.  
AMEN

​Pastor Jenothy Irvine



1 Comment
gold IRA home storage link
1/30/2025 01:49:49 am

"Gold IRA home storage allows individuals to hold their precious metals in their own possession, offering more control and security. However, it's crucial to be aware of IRS rules and risks, as improper storage could lead to penalties or disqualification of the IRA."

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018

    RSS Feed

Grace United Methodist Church
1300 E Adams Dr,
Franklin, IN 46131

Phone: 317-736-7962
Email

Weekend  Worship Services
Saturday: 5:30pm 
Sunday: 9:00am & 11:00am

Picture