Severe trial + overflowing joy + extreme poverty = rich generosity
That's how Paul described the Macedonian believers to the church in Corinth, an example to be followed. Sunday was the first in the series called Monopoly - God's Word on the Real Money Game - from 2 Corinthians 8:1-9. Dennis gave a ton of insight into what it is to be a ridiculous Christ-follower when it comes to giving.
The thought that stuck out to me the most . . . Why give? My highest motivation for giving should flow out of the truth that Jesus became poor that I might become rich - He is the One who is the most ridiculous giver of all time.
The other thought that I grabbed hold of . . . giving reshapes my heart to be like God's.
A bit of trivia for you. They've been tracking giving in churches, to charities, etc. for the last 100 years . . . When do you think giving was at its highest peak? The answer proves the above ridiculous equation - the Great Depression.
It's not about wealth. It's about grace.
The question to ask: Am I a ridiculous Christ-follower when it comes to giving?
The thought that stuck out to me the most . . . Why give? My highest motivation for giving should flow out of the truth that Jesus became poor that I might become rich - He is the One who is the most ridiculous giver of all time.
The other thought that I grabbed hold of . . . giving reshapes my heart to be like God's.
A bit of trivia for you. They've been tracking giving in churches, to charities, etc. for the last 100 years . . . When do you think giving was at its highest peak? The answer proves the above ridiculous equation - the Great Depression.
It's not about wealth. It's about grace.
The question to ask: Am I a ridiculous Christ-follower when it comes to giving?
3 comments:
Am I ridiculous in my giving? No, I've still got enough left over for my needs after the tithe is in the offering plate. But Faith Promise commitments are a step in the ridiculous direction, and that's good for my spirit. A few times this year God has nudged me to give more than usual, or give to a new place, and those little shots of ridiculousness are refreshing. People say that the cure for discontentment is to give some of your money away, and it's true. :) It's just a reminder that none of it is mine anyway, and God's my provider.
Thanks Gwen again for great insights! After reading "Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul" by Erwin McManus, I was challenged most to be generous in all aspects of my life, finances as well as time, etc.--challenging, but good for the soul!
I agree Gary. Although giving is most often thought of in dollar signs, generosity can flow out of time, an act of kindness, using our gifts and abilities, resources, etc.
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