A few years ago, I attended a series of workshops that encouraged self reflection. In one exercise, we wrote two lists: items we needed to do and items we wanted to do. We thought about how we could move the items on the “Need to do” list to the “Want to do list”. We were asked, “What keeps you from having one list?”
Scripture tells us that believers need to have one list when it comes to being generous:
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 [Emphasis added.]
The church in the book of Acts shows that, when everyone in a fellowship of believers willingly shared with each other, the result was good for all:
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them…. Acts 4:32-34a
I live in Louisville and find it well worth making the drive to attend South Fellowship here in Littleton. This is a unique and wonderful fellowship. The people of South are generous with their time, kindness, financial resources, and giftings. Our pastors, elders, staff, and lay leaders lead wisely. The resources we give are stewarded carefully and transparently. Still, as individuals and as a fellowship, we do not meet the vehemence of generosity set by the example of the church in Acts. Though some of us are more mature in our giving than we used to be. Some choose to give of their time, but not financially. Then there are some just sitting on the sidelines. How can we all set our minds on being generous and continually maturing?
Understanding what social scientists call “The Collective Action Problem” can help us reflect on our level of generosity: That is, individuals in groups are better off when they cooperate, but they often fail to do so. First, there’s the free rider problem: Some want to enjoy the group’s benefits without contributing. Second, some don’t contribute because they think what they give is too small to count. Individuals in the group may disagree and fail to work together. Members may be distracted by too many interests outside the group. Finally, (and this is my idea!), our view of generosity may be limited, and we don’t recognize all the ways we can contribute.
Remember, we can make the choice to be generous in faith because God will supply all we need:
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency[e] in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:8-11
Take some time to reflect: How do you contribute to the mission of the Body of Christ through South Fellowship? Have you been hindered by any of the obstacles mentioned above? Are you willing to grow and become more generous? Take time to pray about the talents and financial resources you contribute and ask how you could grow in generosity.
Steven Curtis Chapman – More To This Life
by Sherry Sommer
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