Why Should We Live Generously?
We live generous lives by understanding that everything we have been given or have achieved is a gift from God. So we are to live in such a way that we seek to be as generous to others as God has been to us by giving back our time, talent, and treasure to those who need it. Jesus isn’t just Lord of our heart but of our stuff as well.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;” (Psalm 24:1)
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18)
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.” (Malachi 3:10–12)
WHY SHOULD I GIVE?
One of the big things when you come to Christ is making Him Lord, not only of your heart and life, but also of your stuff. Being willing to see everything you have, want, or desire through the lens of your salvation in Christ will be liberating to you.
Giving draws me closer to God | ““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21)
Giving is the antidote to materialism | “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17–19)
Giving strengthens my faith | “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;”...“Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops;”(Proverbs 3:5,9)///“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”” (Luke 6:38)
Giving blesses me in return | “A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9)///“Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.” (Psalm 112:5)
Giving makes me joyful | “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
HOW SHOULD I USE MY RESOURCES?
Consider these three areas that you are able to be generous in:
Time | The gift of time. None of us has ENOUGH of it. All of us want MORE. How much time do you set aside for God? Yourself? How often do you pray? Meditate? How about time for family and friends and those in need? Our time on earth is limited and our time is fleeting. Make the most of your time by following in the footsteps of Jesus. Teach a Christian education class......help the needy......feed the hungry......nurture the youth......find a quiet time and pray. Most of all make a commitment of your time. You will be happier, healthier, renewed, and God will be pleased!
Talent | We are all blessed with talents by God----you just may not have discovered them yet! Perhaps you have a professional trade that could help the church or a charitable organization such as Habitat for Humanity. Do you have the gift of gab and love personal interaction? Then maybe some form of evangelism is for you. Do you like to work on cars? How about set up a Saturday car repair for those who can't afford it and need their car to get to work. Sing praises unto our Lord and be a part of the choir. There are lots of opportunities here at BPC to express your talents and explore new ones. Be thoughtful and creative! God will be pleased!
Treasure | It's my money----I worked hard for it! Remember, God owns everything. No Christian owns any money. They have been assigned the duty and granted the privilege of managing a certain amount of money. Thus each Christian is a steward of God's astounding creation. A faithful steward seeks proper use of the gifts of God's creation. God is not critical of those who do well and make a good living but we are reminded of the story of the rich young man who came to Jesus wanting to inherit eternal life (Mark 10: 17-22), he could not let go of his money.
