Soul Care - Generosity
by Mary Elsbury
I just entered retirement, which means downsizing and cleaning out things that were collected over many years. I’m watching my pennies to determine what is important and what can be shelved, looking over my finances to decide how and where I should give. Regardless of my circumstances, I have learned to trust God because He already knows what’s next for me.
The culture would have us believe that the way to happiness is to gain more: more money, more things, more pleasure. As followers of Christ, we know that true abundance comes only from God, yet we are still vulnerable to the culture of more and its powerful pull on our lives. The Bible teaches that obeying God and following His teaching is the only way to experience not just the good life, but the best life.
Giving generously is an opportunity for us to trust in God’s provision. Look at the widow of Zarephath. The prophet Elijah showed up at her house asking for food. She didn't tell him to take a hike. Instead...
She replied, “I don’t have any bread – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it – and die.”
Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”
She went away did as Elijah had told her.
1 Kings 17:7-16
The Lord told Elijah to find this widow and that she would provide for him. When Elijah found her, the woman didn’t have enough food for her family to survive. Still, she had faith, and gave the only things she had left. And the Lord filled her jars of flour and oil, ensuring they were never empty.
In all circumstances, Christian generosity is a response to faith. There will always be a reason, an excuse, not to give. This widow certainly had a good one. But she gave anyway. How do you respond?
God gave his Son, Jesus, who gave his life for us. This is the ultimate example of generosity, and we are called to bear the image of God in all that we do. We are most like God when we are generous. Jesus offers a life that is not dependent upon wealth for happiness or pleasure. A truly generous life comes from obeying God. It has little to do with more stuff and everything to do with more freedom, peace, joy, adventure, and purpose.
Why is this message so important to us? It’s because being generous is not something you do simply because it was suggested. Our motivation for being generous comes from our desire to be more like God, to follow his example, especially when he has given so much to us.
In this season of retirement and/or economic uncertainty, prayerfully consider ways you can give. It might not always be financial. It might be baking a loaf of bread or providing a meal for neighbors. Maybe it’s volunteering at a school or at church. Whatever method you decide on and motivated by God’s goodness, don’t let excuses keep you from the joy and blessings that come from having a generous heart.
