Generosity and Trust

My Money and Me – Really?

One of the duties of a church leader is to encourage, challenge and help people in the family of faith “grow in the grace and knowledge” of Christ. Part of that means teaching stewardship. Stewardship is the practice of managing what we have been given: money, possessions, time, talents, etc. Teaching on giving, tithing and generosity is part of the responsibility of helping ‘Christ followers’ mature. Generosity isn’t spur of the moment, but rather an ongoing commitment to trusting in God.

It is impossible to consider Jesus’ character, priorities, attitudes, outlook, and thought patterns being formed in a person without considering the implication in the areas of money and possessions. Jesus didn’t blink when talking to people about their possessions, money, income, responsibility, generosity and sacrifice. Jesus just talked to the people ‘straight up!’

Nearly 50% of Jesus’ teachings emphasized how people of faith are to honor God with their financial resources and possessions. The fact that almost 50% of Jesus’ teaching was on ‘money’ shows the priority He placed on money, possessions and rightly managing those resources.

Generosity is the value the Scriptures teach and give the most direction on. The Scriptures do talk about saving, loaning, borrowing, repaying, etc.; however, by far the value that the Holy Spirit talks about above all others in the Scripture is the value and the priority of generosity.

Giving isn’t something a person does to help God or even help others. Giving is an exercise God calls people to because money and material possessions are directly connected to the human heart. Giving addresses a person’s need to grow in dependence on Him. Every time a person gives they are, in a very practical way, reengaging in dependence upon God. Writing a check that is given with no tangible ‘payback’ is in essence saying to God: ‘Because I know that you are good, that you are the provider of everything I have and that you will provide for my future needs, I will give. Now I’m waiting to see how you will continue to provide and bless.’

Jesus wants to create in each of person who is on a journey of faith an attitude of generosity and trust that surpasses the generosity and trust of those not walking on a journey of faith. Let me encourage you to open yourself fully and allow Jesus to create new levels of generosity and trust.

Matt