You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditure excludes them.” – C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
That’s a fairly ouchy statement for the average person to accept. The common manner of spending our resources and considering ourselves generous is to share the leftovers of our money, time, and energy after we have satisfied ourselves. Lewis sees it differently because God does. While God leaves what we do with our resources up to us, saying we must each decide in our own hearts what to give, He is clear that He does not want reluctant, resentful, or pressured giving. The whole of God’s message through Scripture is that following Him is a way marked by joyful and sacrificial generosity of time, talents, energy, money – our whole selves.
Why aren’t we as generous as we could and should be? Your reason might be one of these: You have no margin. Taking a hard look at your habits can be a valuable exercise. Chances are, you’re not doing anything bad or wrong, but you are spending so much time, energy, and money on yourself that there’s nothing left to give. No margin. What changes could you make? What could you give up to enable generosity in your life?
You and your family have never considered leaving a legacy of generosity. If you never talk about your responsibilities and goals as followers of Jesus to do good and be generous, you will never have the alignment that makes unity and passion possible. Where could you begin the discussion and when?
You don’t know how to give effectively. Money-wise, most families have a spender and a saver. They also have a planner and a seat-of-your-pants person. Both perspectives are needed. Talk together and find a reasonable place to start with all your resources for the causes that speak to your hearts.
You struggle with a scarcity mentality. Fear can be a great barrier to generosity. When you fear not having enough money, time, energy, or resources, you will miss out on the gift of generosity. Generosity requires a courageous risk-taker who seeks first the Kingdom of God. Every stage of life will offer you good reasons to not be generous when you fear scarcity.
You don’t have a big enough picture. What does God want to do for you and others through your generosity? God has miracle-size impact in mind as you follow Him. Ask God to help you see and set a goal for a new step with God before the end of the year.
- It begins with a decision, Don’t wait. It’s not going to get easier. Wherever you are, now is the time to start being generous and doing good. Get going!