April 2006 Discussion Questions

Adults

After our homes, our cars are probably the single most expensive thing we own. And yet stewardship urges us not to consider that we really “own” anything – that everything has been given to us by God to share. How do you feel about “lending” your car to someone? What are the stewardship implications?

What do you covet? Why do you think “coveting” is among the “shalt nots” in the 10 Commandments?

nbsp;The late Archbishop Murphy of Seattle used to ask himself, “What do I own – and what owns me?” What “owns” you? What effect does that “ownership” have in your life?

Teens

Do you have a car of your own? Share your family’s car(s)? Does it make a difference how you feel about it/care for it if it’s yours or belongs to somebody else? How? Why?

What do you wish for so much that you find that you envy others who have it – good looks? Skill at sports? Better grades? A car of their own? A large allowance? Acceptance at a really good college? Why do you think envy is considered one of the seven “deadly” sins?

One of the reasons we “give up” things during Lent is to try to learn to hold onto the things we own less tightly – to help us become open-handed and generous. In these last few weeks before Easter, think about what you are most possessive about. Is there some way you could “let go” just a little? What would that mean?

Children

What is the most valuable thing you own? How do you feel about sharing it – about letting other people borrow or play with it?

Sometimes when we want something we don’t have, we spend so much time wanting it, we forget to be thankful for all the things we do have. What “thing” do you want most right now? What are some of the good things you already have to use and enjoy?

One man in the story this month didn’t take care of his car; the other man did. Part of stewardship is thanking God for what we have. Another part is taking good care of all those things God has given us. What has God given you to take care of? How are you doing?