Why Generosity?  

HEART //      

What in the world does it mean to daily take up our cross and to lose our life for him? What does it mean to forfeit our very ‘selves’? In today’s time and culture, how do we know if we’re being a true disciple? These are important questions, and if we’re asking them honestly, then we’re on the right path! One of the very first steps in learning to spend ourselves is to be open to asking difficult questions.          

Every culture has its idols, which are the most common things that distract and take the place of God in people’s hearts. In our culture, one idol we must face if we want to consider “denying ourselves” is the need for more. In our effort as a society to achieve success (popularity and wealth), most of us own more than our fair share of stuff. We’ve all heard stories of rich and famous people who are very unhappy, but somehow most of us keep reaching for that same “success” anyway!                

Even though Jesus talked so much about money and materialism in the Scriptures we read, many Christians never realize that this is an idol in our culture. We want more, but our hearts may truly need less.

If we start by letting go of this idol, we will go a long way toward following Jesus into a life that contributes to his Kingdom.          

Francis Chan says, “Jesus talked about money so much! So it doesn’t make any sense to say, let’s talk about spiritual things, not money.” How we think of our possessions affects our spirituality. It’s not comfortable, but it’s true. And it’s worth talking about in the family of God. Let’s open our hearts to our Lord in this area, asking the hard questions, and choosing, while we’re young, to learn to live generously.     

WORK //   

Think about what God has blessed you with and ask him how he would like you to use those blessings to be a blessing. Today, choose one thing to give away to someone who needs it more than you do. Let this be a practical sign telling God that you want what he desires for your life. 

Read Luke 9:23-25 one more time. Those are pretty huge statements Jesus is making. What is the scariest part about that challenge? What is the most exciting part?