Christians and $$$

So recently I have heard yet another sermon on Christians and $$$ …
Now I’m not saying it’s not an important topic to consider in our material/consumption driven culture, however I am getting sick of the basic sermon outline….

Step 1 - Talk about role of $ in culture – how we don’t just adopt this worldly view
Step 2 - Talk about God’s provisions for his children – include $
Step 3 - Explain that $ itself is not the problem – but the love of $ is
Step 4 - Suggest $ is neutral – thus be careful of living under its rule/control – idolatry
Step 5 - Remind congregation that God will provide – sparrows and the like
Step 6 - Suggest the 10% rule – acknowledge it’s an O.T. concept – but still promote it
Step 7 - Prove statistically that Christians don’t give 10% & challenge congregation to
Step 8 - Explain that true riches are stored up in heaven
Step 9 - Challenge congregation to give more and work towards God’s other riches.

Now I wouldn’t disagree with much of the above, and I do think there is good reason to cover such topics… however I do see a problem with limiting the message to just this.
Now I have heard some quality teaching on this subject which avoids these problems – but in my (perhaps limited) experience it doesn’t seem the norm…

Unfortunately it can suggest that a clear spiritual/secular division exists in Christians lives. That giving (10%) is a part of your spiritual life and then once that is done your ‘other’ (secular) life is responsible for how you choose to use the remaining 90%. This same division already creeps into much of the Christian life – how we spend our time, energy, how we consider worship, church, ministry etc – its something I’m considering much more deeply and just don’t see this style of teaching helping Christians to view all of life being a living sacrifice and a spiritual walk.

Secondly and obviously related, this model of teaching doesn’t usually focus on how we might choose to use the remaining 90% … Now a preacher may assume that Christians should be able to make these decisions wisely with a biblical framework to guide them – however I think this is a poor assumption, with the temptations and expectations of being an aspiring Australian being so great at all ages. It’s one thing to happily give the 10% but then to think little about the remaining 90%. I’m convinced that we need to be made more aware of moral, ethical and biblically wise decisions in regards to this 90%. Purchasing this or that, investing in this or that, saving for this or that – those decisions are equally important as whether we give 5% to our local church and 5% to missionaries or the thought that we put into the 10%. I know these are the issues that I need to consider more in regards to $ - how my choices affect others, how they work towards the Kingdom and how they glorify God.
I guess it comes down to helping Christians to make wise decisions based on biblical frameworks – and it’s that reason that the 9-step approach seems to miss the mark and just not equip people all that well...