Here's the second part of my weekend message on distorted views of money. 2.  Break the connection between money and happiness. How many times have we thought to ourselves, "I'd be happy if I had _____" (and you can fill in the blank)?  Typically, the blank gets filled in with the latest iPod or a new car or a house with more square footage.   We think if we had more money we would be happier people. King Solomon was the wealthiest  man of his generation.  Any fellow who can support over 700 wives in addition to 300 concubines must have a few bucks.  If any man could have afforded to be happy, it was Solomon. Yet in the book of Ecclesiastes we find a man in search of happiness and failing to find it.  The book is littered with phrases like ""Meaningless! Meaningless!"  says the Teacher.  "Utterly meaningless!  Everything is…

I first heard about Tom's Shoes several years ago and was impressed with the concept of merging social good with business.  When you buy a pair of Tom's Shoes, they will send a free pair to a child in need.  It's a great concept called One for One.  Here's how they describe it: TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about ... Why Shoes? Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk. Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help. Wearing shoes literally…

This past weekend I spoke at Mountainview about how we develop distorted views of money and wealth.  To return to a healthy, Christ-centered perspective on money we have to break three common connections.  I'll be sharing them here on the blog. 1.  Break the connection between money and security. We have this idea that we'll be secure when we reach a certain income level or savings amount.  We talk about "financial independence" and think that reaching a certain dollar amount is the key to stability and safety.  Unfortunately, the target we have in mind never stays static because the cost of living goes up, newer and bigger toys are invented. The irony is this: Thinking we need more stuff to be secure makes God unnecessary. The truth is: Wealth is fleeting and God is not.  King Solomon once wrote these words: "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are…

I shared the "Toddler's Rules of Possession" on Sunday in talking about keeping a healthy perspective on money.  These are not unique to me -- I first heard them years ago.  But here they are.  Enjoy! Toddler’s Rules of Possession If I like it, it’s mine. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine. If I can take it from you, it’s mine. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine. If it’s mine, it must NEVER appear to be yours in anyway. If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine. If it looks just like mine, it is mine. If I saw it first, it’s mine. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine. If it’s broken, it’s yours.

We do not value weakness – in fact, we avoid any sign of weakness.  It's one of the reasons we so easily go into debt -- so as to not appear weak. In some respects, it's like the person at the gym who uses 40lbs on the tricep machine but switches it to 70lbs when finished.  We want the next person to think we’re stronger than we really are. "How are you doing?"  "How is work?"  "How is your marriage?"  It’s all GREAT. Paul understood that we are impressed by strength ... so he changes the perspective: "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness" (2 Corinthians 11:30). When was the last time you bragged about a weakness?  “You know what, I’m not getting it all done.” It's only when we admit our weaknesses that God is allowed to work in our lives.  Before…