Charles Simpson was teaching one time about pouring into his children when he said something to the effect of, if you want to teach your children one thing, teach them to be generous. That kind of stuck with me over the years. I think it is because being generous in so “theme central” to the gospel, “for God so loved He gave…” Giving in itself is foundational to the Kingdom of God. While we never had an over abundance of finances while the children were growing up, I would always make sure that whenever they went on a youth retreat or other like outing, they each had some extra cash to bless someone else by purchasing a snack or drink for them. I expected them to spend it on somebody while they were gone.
As we have just survived another black Friday where some of the most blessed people of the world could hardly wait to run out and secure their next purchase to add to their collection, the thought of generosity seems to be an important reminder. I believe it was Winston Churchill who said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
As we come to the close of another year, begin to think in terms of how you can be more generous in your life. Might be one of those things you want to focus on for 2013, to live a more generous lifestyle. One that is so grateful for all that you have been given and one who looks to where the Lord is asking you to be generous. Keep in mind that being generous means you need to also be able to generate wealth because you cannot give away something you don’t have. We must continue to believe the Lord for increase, if we are to continue to give generously over time.
Don’t be afraid to make a really good living, just make sure you also make a really good life, as Churchill describes. After all, if you lose the ability to give, you have lost one of the most central ingredients of the Kingdom of God.
D.O.V.E.