becoming generous by Pastor Dan Meyer

We have all heard it… “it is better to give than to receive.” And in that instant there is some part of our brain that yells, “ that is the most idiotic thing I have ever heard!” What is that voice? Sometimes the words slip out of our mouths before we can sensor them and we realize that we sound selfish or cold-hearted but there are still those nagging thoughts going on in our minds that fight to try to justify how giving things away is better than feeling the rush of getting something new.

We all want newness. This is part of the struggle. We live in a world where things fall apart and the “sense” to provide for ourselves first and foremost is all too common.

But new becomes old far too quickly. It just doesn’t last and with the passing of days and weeks and months, we have to continue the quest for newness to feed our appetite. Unless… we step outside of this circular thought and let God renew our minds.

Because it isn’t just better… it is best.

If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. – Jesus

It is in this struggle that we have an opportunity to walk in the shoes of Jesus. It is in this struggle that we find one of the many treasures of life that God designed – the genius of generosity – the power to be open-handed.

Giving frees me to worship. Giving away our resources and providing for the needs of others provokes worship. Blessing others with your time, abilities, or money accomplishes at least three things that are in line with God’s work in the world.

1)    It relieves stress and offers hope to the recipient by meeting a need.

2)    It humbles both the giver and the recipient if done as an act of worship to God.

3)    It frees the giver from a self-centered mindset.

My wife Rene’ and I have been blessed to realize that we are continually on both sides of this equation. We always have something to give and we always have a need. The genius of generosity is that we have the opportunity to walk hand in hand with people and take another step towards becoming like Christ.

It is a great paradox and it is a great truth – that will resound throughout our lives if we will follow the words of our Lord. We, His people, need to be known for our generosity… for His generosity. When we understand that all we have is because He has given it to us then we also realize that we are to be stewards of His resources.

How are you spending God’s money? What are you doing with the time He has given you? How are you giving yourself away for His glory and your good?

The only reason to ask these questions and to answer them honestly is to take steps, leaps, and bounds towards worshiping God with everything we are. Here is a list of some great steps for us to take as we move closer to the heart of God in generosity:

-intentionally and regularly give time to serve your community

-give offerings (money) to meet needs that resonate with your heart

-spontaneously bring your neighbor a meal

-tip your restaurant servers 20% to bless them (not reward them)

-give tithes (10% of income) to facilitate the tangible ministry of the local church

-intentionally use your talents to equip and encourage people

-when you are asked to give, give if it is within your means

Our precious Jesus gave it all and calls us to be like Him if indeed we are His followers. May we follow in His love and grace and overflow with generosity beyond the smallness of our own lives and resound with joy until the whole world knows the beauty of our God.