The transformation of Christ at work in our lives turns us from a focus on self to our focus on Jesus. We begin to see the world in new ways and what is important to us changes. We no longer seek self; we seek Jesus.
The attitude and attributes of a follower of Jesus flow from our heart as it is transformed. The way we view our possessions changes as we move from materialism to stewardship. We view our possessions as gifts God has given to us to steward, seeking to provide for the needs of our family, while understanding Jesus’ call for us to be generous in our sharing the gifts we have been given. In Acts 20:35 we read, “In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
When we view our lives from a position of abundance and not scarcity, we look at what we have more than what we do not have. When we live from scarcity, we struggle to see what we have to offer. We do not see how we can be one who gives, so we tend to withdrawal from situations where we may feel compelled to contribute.
In Luke 21:1-4 we read:
“”While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said,’ this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.‘”
Our ability to give comes from a heart of generosity. When our heart is being changed, we recognize the resources we possess are not to be hoarded. They are gifts given to us to steward as an expression of our dependence on God and our calling to be people of generosity. Proverbs 11:25-26, “A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water. The people curse those who hold back grain, but a blessing is on the head of those who sell it.” We are enriched and blessed when we willingly and generously offer our gifts to other people.
The gifts we have to offer are not limited to finances or material possessions. We have gifts of encouragement, love, grace, mercy, hope, hugs, presence, time, etc. When we are generous with all our gifts, we become people who become a blessing as we are being blessed.
As we enter the holiday season, our hearts are often turned toward generosity. With the ongoing struggles in the United States with delayed social support for those in need, we need to pray for God to give us a heart of generosity; to be the best stewards of what we have been given. We need to know that though we may see our gift is small in comparison, that in the economy of God, the gift is measured not in amount but from the heart of generosity that is giving the gift.
Prayer: Lord, we pray for a heart of generosity. In this holiday season and among the present government shutdown in the United States, help us see how you are calling us to live a generous life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.