Is Dave Ramsey right?

Dave Ramsey is wrong – pretty bold statement from a financial novice. I don’t think any human being is right about everything, so my statement shouldn’t raise too many eyebrows. That is, until I go after one of his most popular phrases: “Live like no one else, so that later you can live like no one else.” I might be slow (and you may have already figured this out), but I’m having trouble  reconciling Dave’s oft repeated statement with Gospel-centered living.

Seven years ago, when I worked at a car dealership, I would turn any radio to which I had access to the local AM station and listen to Dave knock sense into people. I loved his straight talk. There are many things I like about Dave: he gives good advice (get rid of debt, build an emergency fund, save), God is using Him to help people free themselves from the slavery of debt, and he is not totally shy about mentioning Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. I have profited (pun is definitely intended) from his input into my overall financial philosophy. Over the last seven years, my interest in Dave’s show has waned, but I’ve still agreed with his overall strategy.

But, here is what got me thinking: I ran into and article a couple of weeks ago that described a wealthy Christian’s purchase (with cash) of a new $9,000,000 (13,000+ sq.ft.) home. Dave’s quotation immediately came to mind. If this is the epitome of “living like no one else later,” then things get difficult for me rather quickly. To be very honest, I never really sat down and thought through the Gospel implications of the quotation.

I’ve been reflecting more and more on the Summit Church’s financial slogan: “Live sufficiently and give extravagantly.”  The Generosity Matrix, written by the JD Greear from the Summit, has been influential in my thinking lately. JD walks the line between only giving what is “required” and giving “everything that is excess.” Here are the six points of his matrix:

1. God gives excess to some so that they can share with those who have less.
2. Jesus’ radical generosity toward us should be to us a model and a motivation for radical generosity with others.
3. The Holy Spirit must guide us as to which sacrifices we are to make.
4. God delights in our enjoyment of His material gifts and gives us richly all things to enjoy.
5. We are not to trust in riches and not to define our lives by the abundance of our possessions.
6. Wealth building is wise.

What I am not saying:

• I am not saying that the Christian who bought that huge house was sinning when he bought his new home.
• I am not saying that Dave is not generous. I’m pretty sure he gives a good bit of what he makes to good causes.
• I am not saying that Dave does not understand the Gospel.

What I am saying:

• Dave’s slogan is not Gospel-centered (2 Cor 8.13-15). This probably should be expected since his audience includes many non-believers.
• Christians using Dave’s system should modify Dave’s slogan. A better slogan is, “Live like no one else (not incurring excess debt), so that you can give like no one else.” I honestly came up with this on my own (scout’s honor), but then searched it and found out that I’m not the only one. Check out Craig’s article for further reflections on this. (You could also say, “Live like no one else for God’s glory,” but it is not as catchy.)
• You really need to read JD’s article.
• Join me in reflecting upon our use of God’s financial gifts and let us live like no one else so that we can give like no one else.