Why

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Philippians 3:7-9

Questions

1. What things do you have in your life that you absolutely can’t do without? Don’t list people or relationships… just list “things.”
2. Why are you personally tempted to place security and trust in stuff?
3. How can you leverage the things that you do have to give God glory?

What Now

1. Write down ideas that you could do this Christmas that would place the emphasis on giving and serving and not on going in to debt.
2. Set a goal of giving more in 2012 than you did in 2011.  Track it and pray for the people and ministries you are giving to.
3. If you are a teacher or leader then consider teaching through the Biblical perspective on money and sterwardship.