Becoming More Generous
"Contribute to the needs of God’s people [sharing in the necessities of the saints]; pursue the practice of hospitality.” Romans 12:13
The first thing I notice about this verse is the imperative nature of Paul’s address. He is not offering a suggestion: if you have extra money or a great house that’s clean and stocked with plenty of food, then contribute and practice hospitality. Paul simply articulates how every member of the body should participate in service to one another with respect to what God has entrusted to each one. I love the way John Piper communicates Paul’s intent. It is a command to be “a certain kind of person.” For us, that “certain kind of person” is a generous and hospitable woman of God.
How do we set out to become more generous and hospitable women of God? This month, let’s hone in on becoming more generous within the Body. Next month we will use the same four components for how to become more hospitable women of God.
Calls for a Paradigm Shift
A few years ago, together we experienced Randy Alcorn’s work, The Treasure Principle. He proposed two radical thoughts that stuck with me and transformed my perspectives on money. Alcorn reminded us that we cannot take our treasure with us, but that we could send it on ahead of us to heaven. We could devote our treasure to eternal things rather than spending it on stuff that will not matter in twenty years much less a million years. The second thought that altered my thinking was that God does not raise our standard of living to buy more and better stuff (which sounded simple enough); but to enable us to raise our standard of giving.
I confess, I have not mastered these concepts. But I can testify that they have moved me to be more concerned about what God deems important in terms of how I use my resources.
Demands Prayer
We should begin with prayer. May God transform our hearts and minds to make us sensitive and responsive to His leading.
What need has He directly placed in your path? Do you have the desire to be concerned and act? Are you willing to bear the cost and inconvenience? Do you possess a sensitivity and amenable disposition toward other Believers in need? Is your generosity toward others quietly conspicuous to the degree that your closest friends could testify you are “that kind of person?”
Generosity should be a defining quality. Until it is--we must fervently ask God to change our selfishness into openhandedness.
Requires Eyes that See
God places His people in particular spheres of influence strategically for maximum impact. Your location, relationships, involvements, and vocation give you access to contribute to the needs God desires you to meet. We just don’t always see it. Our vision is cluttered with our own needs and not the needs of others. We are too blind to see.
Related to the previous point, we should be asking God to give us eyes to see the needs He wants us to meet. But beyond that, eyes to see often requires mouths to speak. Are you in relationship with people who could be in need? Or are you solely invested in and insulated by a small circle of relationships you love– who haven’t need of anything but the newest fashion accessory?
Most people have more going on than they share. More often than not, they could use your assistance for getting a true need met. If we could only have eyes to see it…
Compels Hands to Work
Contributing to the needs of the Body requires us to use our hands and feet. We need to sign up, participate, volunteer, and give of ourselves -- rather than spending our time and money on whatever we want to do. When we give of ourselves--even when we don’t know how we are going to get it all done– God honors our effort toward developing a more generous spirit.
I once signed up to provide a meal for a couple in my church. I didn't have time to do it. In fact, I didn’t cook very often for my own family; but I wanted to use my hands and feet for someone in need as the opportunity presented itself. So I spent time I didn’t have and made the food. When I arrived, the woman abruptly rejected my food and told me through the door they were going out. It was an awkward conversation. I was extremely irritated. I could have gone home fuming. Instead, I sat in my car and asked the Lord, “Now What? I made this food. Who needs a meal RIGHT NOW?” Another family in my church came to mind and I drove to their street. Unannounced, I rang the doorbell covered in hot pads, Rubbermaid and foil. This time, I was greeted with an elated smile, tear-filled eyes and a warm embrace. She couldn’t even speak. God provided for this woman’s need using food I prepared for someone else simply because…I made it.
I have also been on the receiving end of those who are learning to living generously. I, too, have stood speechless because of the thoughtfulness shown me in God's perfect timing. Maybe it was a note. A text. Someone just showing up to help me with something or someone. Cookies! Bread! Yes, even a take-out meal! Lest you think your ability to make a difference insignificant, remember: People don't DO for others any more! IF we get so far as to have a paradigm shift, pray, and had have eyes to see, we still somehow stop short of actually DOING anything.
Listen to the still small voice that whispers what to do-- and just do it. That's how God meets needs through us.
Cheri
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