What Does it Look Like to be a Generous Church?
Written by Lawrence Yoo
The early Christian church had radical generosity as one of its distinguishing traits. In Acts we see that they sold their property and possessions to give to anyone in need (Acts 1:45), and Paul collected donations from several of the churches he started to go to other churches in need (1 Corinthians 16:2). Generosity was encouraged and expected.
How incredible would that be if that was the defining characteristic of church today! How do we get there? I want to focus on two different aspects of giving: the battle for generosity and the fuel for generosity.
If we want to be generous, we will have to fight against the competing messages all around us. Everywhere we look, the world tells us that the good life is found in an abundance of comfort and possessions, that more money equals more happiness, that as your income increases your lifestyle should increase, and that you only live once so you should accumulate as many possessions and experiences as you can.
This is an internal battle as well. Our flesh tells us to stockpile and hoard, and to satisfy our desire for more. We fear money, we love money, we trust money, and we often believe that just a little bit more will make us happy and secure. We can also falsely judge ourselves and others by money. Have you ever noticed when we want to talk about someone’s wealth, we will ask “What are they worth?”
The world and flesh tell us self-denial is a bad thing, that it is oppressive and limiting, but it is God’s gift to us. It’s only by the Holy Spirit that we can find the freedom to say “no” to lesser things that will never satisfy. I think the early church knew this. They lived differently because they saw a different way through Jesus’ life. They saw that it truly was more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
This leads to the fuel of generosity. Through the example of the life and death of Jesus, we can see that giving leads to so much more. At the core of Christianity is a generous God who showed radical love, through radical sacrifice, that lead to an abundant life. Walt Russell, a professor from Biola University says, “To learn to give generously is not primarily to deny self vigorously, but to learn to love generously as we are so loved.”
My people, may gazing upon the generosity of God compel us and move us to intentional generosity. If you are wondering what that practically looks like, it will probably look differently for each person, but here are a few questions that might be helpful as you as prayerfully look at your budget and spending:
Do you regularly take time to thank God for his provision?
Does your spending align with your expressed values?
What ways are you modeling generosity in your family or amongst your community?
What tangible steps can you take towards more generous giving?
Waypoint Church, I pray that we would grow in joy as we grow in giving, and that we would know our gracious Heavenly Father more as we imitate his generosity.
Comments