Soul Food series (part two)

“Money-Talk”
Small group devotion

If your group is in a jovial mood, indulge in a game of “Chubby bunny” (a big bag of marshmallows or grapes is required). The winner gets…a really full mouth. The “Chubby bunny” game can become an ongoing metaphor for our consumer attitudes — filling our lives with things, things, and more things, until there’s no room for anything else (including breathing!!!). You can reference the parable of the Rich Man (Luke 12:13-21).

Reflect on this image by the graffiti artist, Banksy. What is it saying to you?

Read Acts 4:31-35

What strikes you about this passage?
(The leader might like to draw on the parable of the Rich Man (Luke 12:13-21) or the above image to help draw out discussion)

Watch the clip below
(It is more suited to young adults — so if your group is youth, you may want to find another video clip or skip this altogether)

Drawing on the scripture passage and on the clip, how should Christians treat money?

What challenges does the gospel message have for how you treat money? Get personal! (Particularly reference Luke 12:13-21 and/or Acts 4:32-35)

If working with a younger group, you may like to ask: can Christians be rich? Why/why not?
If working with an older group, you may like to discuss things like the TPPA or the free market — is unchecked growth a good thing? Why/why not?

RESPONSE: This could be different for each group. Here are a few ideas:

1. You might like to sign up as a group to Tear Fund’s “Living Lent”. This is a great daily Lenten devotion that has a focus on economic justice. It’s not too late to start!
2. You might like to challenge one another to start giving in the offering (or to give more over Lent if you’re already giving).
3. Alternatively, you could start a growth group “fund”, where you put a little each week into the kitty and this can be used to support a particular cause, to sponsor a child, or just a discretionary fund to be generous when people are in need.
4. Or you could challenge one another to be more conscientious with your buying habits. How much are you consuming? Is it fair trade/sustainable? What are we are spending our money on? etc etc. Come up with practical steps that you can initiate today!

Finish by praying together to trust in God with everything we have, and to learn to live generously.