Do you ever have trouble finding motivation for giving of time, talent, and treasure? Do you ever run out of energy to love? Have you ever given of yourself and thought, “That’s enough. I can’t give any more.” Or is that just a problem with me? I’m sure this happens to everyone who seeks to live generously. Why do we so often hit that wall where we just don’t feel like giving anymore? Perhaps it’s because we just don’t realize... Read more
I don’t think it coincidence that C. S. Lewis started with a simple game of hide-and-seek when he penned The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. The land of Narnia was only revealed in all its glory through Lucy’s participation in the process of intentional concealment and discovery. Although Lewis may not have intended it, his story depicts the process of hide-and-seek that God often uses to reveal both His glory and ours: It is the glory of God to... Read more
Make no mistake about it: You have been blessed for a reason. When God pours out his goodness upon us, He has other objectives than your mere happiness. He blesses us so that we may bless others. We could call it the circle of love. God gives to us so we will give to others who will then give praise and glory back to God. In the end, it’s about Him. This cycle of God-induced generosity is clear in God’s... Read more
We’re never truly giving. The truth is that whenever we give, we’re always getting something in return. Generosity is not a zero-sum game, no matter how it may look to us at times. All too often, we think that if we give to someone else we’ll be left with less than what we had before. When we’re giving money, it’s easy to make that case based on what we see remaining in our wallets or bank accounts. When we give... Read more
Why has God planted you where you are? New Christians often presume that a faithful response to Christ’s invitation means they need to enter into some form of “full-time ministry.” In their rush to follow their Lord, they often fail to consider their natural strengths, talents, abilities, connections, or resources. In other words, what plans might the Master Gardener have to use them as they grow – right where they are? Jesus describes God as a Sower, generously spreading the... Read more
When you were a child, did you have a favorite toy? Was there one that meant more to you than others? Maybe it meant more because a special relative had given it to you. Perhaps the toy meant more because of the memories associated with it. Or maybe it meant more because you had purchased it with your own money. For whatever reason, it became your favorite, one that would be difficult to give away even if God asked. For... Read more
Why do you love to give? Let’s face it, we can all have some pretty suspicious motives for giving sometimes. For some of us, it’s just a tax deduction. For others, it’s a sense of satisfaction for ourselves that we’re helping somebody else. Still others might give just to look good doing it. [See Can It Ever Be Wrong to Be Generous] When we give money or resources, no one really knows our motives. It’s a lot harder to conceal... Read more
We worship what we fear. If it’s God, that’s a good thing. He should be feared. He’s God. But my own faith journey has forced me to ask myself a question that may be helpful for you. Do you worship your next paycheck? Think about this statement: “I don’t know where my next paycheck is coming from.” Does it strike fear into your soul? Pity? Or joy at the possibility of an amazing opportunity? I found myself making that statement to myself... Read more
There is a secret to living generously — but it’s not an easy one to embrace. The secret lies in understanding the difference between broke and broken. Being broke means that we don’t have money, or at least not as much as we think we need. Broke can be a relative term, of course, as we often hear of celebrities who made millions and are now “broke” as they continue to live in opulence. Being broken is different. Yet it... Read more
Maybe it’s happened to you. You see someone on the street, looking as if life has kicked them around pretty hard. He’s got a cardboard sign summarizing his sad story. She has a haggard look that says more than any sign could. An extended hand, an empty hat, a pained look – all stir within you a desire to give. But should you? What if they’ll simply use your gift to support an addictive habit? What if they’re really scam... Read more
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