The Generosity Projectಮಾದರಿ

The world’s system tells people that the way to be successful is to exalt yourself. You need to learn the most, look the best, make the most, and simply excel the most to be successful. But what if our definition of success is backward?

The Kingdom of God has a different way of defining success. In the Kingdom, we draw close to our destiny and purpose by sacrificing and serving, not by walking over people. The Bible says that to be “successful” we are to live our lives for others.

Because we grow up with these worldly messages of success, it is easy to believe that life is about serving ourselves and working our way to the top. In reality, the poor, the weak, and the hungry will truly taste the Kingdom of God.

This does not mean that we have to be literally hungry and thirsty to see God, but it comes back to dependency. Those who let go of their dependency on the things of this world will discover the blessing of knowing God. Life is much more simple than we make it. As Pastor Rick Warren says in the first sentence of his international bestseller, The Purpose Driven Life, “It’s not about you.”

When we understand that true life is found in living for Christ and others, we discover the true blessings this life has to offer. When we begin to know God in His mercy for the poor, we see His mercy in a new way for us. When we begin to love who He loves, we will make decisions for our future that will be a blessing to His Kingdom rather than building our own. He is our example and our guide.

Research: Where Do I Belong?

As we get closer to the end of this week, we encourage you to pray and think about what you specifically could do to be a good volunteer or donor at the place you’ve chosen and pray over the time or money you will spend at that place. Consider writing down ideas for how you’d like to help the organization(s) you’ve been researching while bearing in mind that your organization of choice might just need help moving boxes or doing some other form of manual labor. All kinds of service can be valuable, and a crucial part of spending ourselves.

Activity: The First Shall Be Last

Today’s activity might seem small, but it will help change your mindset and get you outside of yourself. Make a list of five ways you can be kind and helpful to the people around you without expecting anything in return. Maybe that means doing the dishes without being asked, helping your sibling clean their room, or writing a nice note to your mom, dad, or another caring adult thanking them for what they do for you. Maybe it means something bigger, like bringing canned goods to a local food drive or volunteering to read at storytime at your local library if they have one. Whatever you decide, think about how serving others and putting their needs ahead of your own can reflect Jesus’ love for them. Pray for everyone you serve and ask God to bless them in specific ways.