Culture tells us that it’s not polite to talk about politics or religion at the dinner table.
Either of those topics brings about so much heat that people can too easily get offended to enjoy dinner. But you know what brings up even more heat than politics or religion?
Not “how’s your sex life?”
Not “How’s your present life?”
Not even, “I need some help.”
The question that brings up more heat is, “How are you spending your money?”
image credit: Creation Swap user Filip Ologeanu
You want to put someone on the hot seat, ask them this.
Ask them why they’ve decided to buy a new car, even though they don’t have any financial plan in place for a rainy day.
Ask them how many credit cards they currently have, and have maxed out.
Ask them why they feel ok buying their child every little thing they ask for, but have no sense of being generous to others.
Ask them how they’re doing at tithing.
Ask them how they’re stewarding the resources God’s given them.
When you ask any of these questions, be ready for someone to squirm.
Or punch you in the throat.
But these questions are so important. Not to be asked publicly, because that could cause enough embarrassment to sever a relationship. These are questions to be asked of someone that you have built trust with. Maybe someone you’re investing in spiritually. Definitely someone who trusts you with important things in life. This question is off limits in casual relationships…this question is evidence of a deeper, richer community.
Yes, these questions are awkward, but the way you handle your money says much about what you believe about God. Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) The way you handle your money reflects your belief.
It’s unbelievably easy for money to become an idol in our lives. And the more secretive we operate, the stronger our idol becomes.
Idols lose their power when they’re brought into the light.
Get ready to cause a little heat with this one. But dealing with heat now will help keep from flames later.
This is awkward, but…how are you spending your money?
