Credits. 

“... give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’” (Proverbs 30:8). We have referred to financial issues several times in this podcast, but in this episode we unpack it to look at the dangers money can pose where it can so easily become a god in our lives and precipitate a slide into a hollow and destructive lifestyle, missing the life God had intended for us. The story of Solomon provides insights into this important topic. Solomon began life well but was overtaken by his obsession with power, wealth and women. Ultimately, he was disciplined by God and did not live the life God had purposed for him. We may not have the position and wealth of Solomon, but his story warns us of the pitfalls of losing sight of God’s priorities and purposes. How do we guard our hearts and minds from the same in a world that esteems wealth and privilege?

Perhaps surprisingly, it has been shown that the best accomplishments of people come in their later years. The average age of CEOs in Fortune 500 companies is 63! Little wonder then that there is great emphasis today on our health and well-being – it is vital for a productive long life. But productivity is not the only reason that we want to live long and healthy lives. We will also look at the significance of this issue with regard to our families and our contribution to community. Building health and well-being begins early in life, a time when you may have the energy but not the time, but it is critical for the long haul and for a vibrant life in the latter years. We explore the issues of well-being in our physical, emotional, mental and relational dimensions - the pitfalls and what we can do about them.

“Outsourcing – giving your work to someone else outside your main business”. This is a common practice today in many companies and unfortunately in families too. Positive presence is key to successful parenting and yet too often our careers take centre stage. In this episode practical suggestions are given for how to go about making your children the priority they are meant to be amidst all your other commitments. Understanding the significance of this God-given responsibility and its ultimate purpose is also explored. There is no shortcut when it comes to parenting, but the long term outcome for your children when they become adults will be worth every effort, as well as the blessing of a rewarding relationship with them.

This chapter addresses issues unique to the single person. There are any number of reasons why someone may be single at this stage of life, but key is to throw yourself into life and navigate life intentionally. Eight suggestions are given to encourage this intentional living, including having a support system, becoming financially literate, depending on God, and managing sexual desire and dating. Finally, a story is shared of one man’s journey through singleness, marriage and singleness again, which we hope will be of encouragement to you all that God is at work in your life through all of its challenges.

1 Corinthians 13 lists the qualities of love. Do we dare apply these to our marriage? Do we even have the capacity to apply them, or is the baggage we bring into our marriage getting in the way? Yet if we don’t, will our marriage survive, and if it does, what will it look like later in life, after raising our children, dealing with financial challenges, pursuing our careers and the many other facets of life? Will we be able to enjoy the twilight years together? Research has shown that the source of both health and happiness in the later years is quality relationships. “Until Death us do Part” explores achieving a quality marriage that will last into the later years, regardless of the demands on us, and what we may perceive as huge obstacles – which we usually think lie in the other person! It provides three keys to a better marriage relationship.

In the midst of our striving for success, material comforts and security, the truth is, we are designed for contribution. Often, as young adults, we had big dreams about the difference we would make in the world. We admire those who are making an impact. We know that as followers of Jesus, there is a call on us to live for others, to make a difference in their lives and we know that there is real fulfilment in contribution. But how do we possibly fit this in to our busy schedules of school runs and career demands? What if I don’t think I have anything to give? In this episode we consider these questions and more, and look at the importance and value of contribution, recognising that God has called us and gifted us for a specific purpose, and that we are part of God’s bigger narrative.

In his book, “Improving”, Stewart Briscoe writes, “As the hard business of living takes its toll it is the spiritual dimension of life that wears out first.” How do we stop this from happening? The bottom line of life is captured by Dallas Willard, “What God gets out of our lives and indeed what we get out of our lives is simply the person we become.” The 30s and 40s are years of becoming and in this episode we look at four workshop areas that God uses to shape our hearts and lives – marriage, parenting, career and material possessions. Our faith will be stretched by life’s challenges and even disappointments and failures, but it doesn’t have to be stretched to breaking, but stretched to strengthening.

The story of Jacob is one of disorientation and, for much of his life, unfulfilled dreams. The truth is, Jacob’s character was in severe need of some moulding in order for his dreams to converge with God’s purposes. When the pressure of life hits us, our own dreams can seem distant and unattainable. We may be pursuing dreams that are not God’s dream for us. We may not even be ready for God’s dream for us. Jacob’s story teaches us that in the mess of life, God is still at work. This can be tough to believe sometimes; it stretches our faith. This episode explores the story of Jacob and the powerful truths it holds for us, that even when our dreams crumble, if we are willing to trust God, obey God, be changed by God, our dreams can be reborn and fulfilled.

This episode asks what is important in life and challenges our assumptions. We all hold assumptions about life that we may not even be aware of, but they direct our choices of career, lifestyle, relationships, parenting philosophy and so on. Unfortunately, we may wake up in our 50s and realize those assumptions – held by the majority – have let us down and the consequence is an unfulfilled, possibly lonely life, with a sense of loss and regret for what might have been. Now is the time to reflect on and challenge our assumptions. Is life all about me? Is life all about making money? Is a focus on relationship something that can wait till I’ve “made it”? What “making it” is really all about requires good character, replacing the prevailing worldview around me with one that reflects God’s perspective, and fulfilling his purpose for me.