Creating a Big Hearted, Open Handed Community

5 November 2010 by Barb Julian.

    This week many small groups and individuals begin discussing the book Enough by Adam Hamilton. 

Stress.

Anxiety.

Fear.

     Is this your state of mind as you experience financial meltdown, 10% unemployment, flat salaries, and more trillions of national debt?   What are we to do?  How are we to behave in the midst of all of this upheaval?

     Adam Hamilton has an interesting perspective that I wonder if any of us share.  While he acknowledges the truth of many church members suffering, he says he believes the causes of the financial crisis, though many, are fundamentally spiritual issues and not financial ones. 

    This first week is meant to pique your curiosity about why he might make such a counter intuitive statement.  Surely with all of this seemingly opaque regulation and government and bad decision making someone must be to blame.    We are dead certain that someone must be to blame.   Yet, we seem to have the “Cheshire cat” syndrome a la Alice in Wonderland.  Do you recall how it smiled like a fool and crossed its arms in front of itself when asked for “which way Alice had gone”,  pointing in both directions at the same time….without taking any responsibility.  

    Is there anything, is there something, we can do to relieve this pressure cooker environment? 

    You are invited to take a deep breath, slow down a moment, and to share in the discovery of Scriptural truths that earlier generations knew.  Hamilton’s effort is to guide, encourage, and inspire.   Are you willing to take a chance?   What if the joy and contentment in life do come from seeking simplicity and generosity as you pursue your purpose in life.  Are you willing to re-consider what the good life is?  

    Is money morally neutral?  Is whatever we do with it?

    Jesus speaks of attitudes about and relationships with money, and often.  Sunday, Pastor Matt is beginning a series on personal financial habits that reflect our spiritual maturity, spiritual discipline, and response to God’s generosity toward us. You hear it don’t you:  praising God, growing disciples, and serving the world.

    Come on in, make yourself comfortable, open the eyes of your heart, and  join in the conversation.

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