A look at how we spend our money indicates that to which we’re willing to give our lives. To give money to another person or cause is to give your life to them.
Generosity begets generosity. It’s a trait passed down from our heavenly Father. Those who most resemble him are those who reflect his generosity. How great is the love the Father has lavished on us (1 Jn 3:1).
Generosity reveals who or what we love. It’s not difficult to be generous toward our children. Ask any grandparent—generosity comes naturally to a heart of love. So what does our generosity reveal about our love for others?
Generosity reveals who or what we trust. We struggle with generosity toward those we suspect might squander our gift, and we more readily give to those who will respond with gratitude and use the gift as we would. And while we should be discerning, I’m thankful that God generously entrusts us with his good gifts, despite our repeated faithlessness. Does a lack of trust cause your hand to give with hesitation?
Generosity reveals who or what we value. Money follows values. A look at how we spend our money indicates that to which we’re willing to give our lives. To give money to another person or cause is to give your life to them. No wonder generosity is a family trait! Do we say we’d gladly lay down our lives for others, but we’re reluctant to give ourselves away in generosity?
Thank you for your generosity! It’s a family trait, being passed down to our students at Ozark Christian College. In a recent chapel service at OCC, Professor Jon Kehrer challenged students to evaluate their “theology of money.” At the end of his message, Jon passed out $2,000 of his own money, in cash, to all the students. He put the money into offering bags, and instructed the students to each take out a bill. How generous! Then Jon challenged students to match the money they received and give it away. The students responded in big ways, paying for a peer’s school bill, buying gifts for children in their churches, and more. Jon’s challenge revealed a great deal about students’ love, trust, and values (1 Tim 6:17-19). Generosity is a family trait…and I’m grateful to belong to a family that looks like our heavenly Father.
Thank you for your desire to reach others for Christ and make a kingdom impact with your life. At Ozark Christian College, for over 75 years we’ve remained focused on one mission: training men and women for Christian service. We prepare students for the harvest fields worldwide. When you give to OCC, you multiply your kingdom efforts through the hundreds of kingdom workers we train each year. Your generosity makes a difference. Thank you!
