Compassion: 30 Days of HeartworkSample

Why Generosity?    

HEART //      

What in the world does it mean to daily take up our cross and to lose our life for Him? What does it mean to forfeit our very selves? In today’s time and culture, how do we know if we’re being a true disciple? These are important questions, and if we’re asking them honestly, then we’re on the right path! One of the very first steps in learning to spend ourselves is to be open to asking difficult questions.          

Every culture has its idols: those things that distract, create a false sense of security, and take the place of God in people’s hearts. In our culture, one idol we must face is the need for more. This idol, this need for more, can be addicting and all-consuming, but it is a hunger that will never be satisfied. We’ve all heard stories of rich and famous people who are very unhappy, but somehow most of us keep reaching for that same “success” anyway!                

Even though Jesus talked so much about money and materialism in the Scriptures we read, many of us never realize that this is an idol in our own culture. We want more, but our hearts may truly need less.                   

Pastor and author Francis Chan says: “Jesus talked about money so much! So it doesn’t make any sense to say, let’s talk about spiritual things, not money.” How we think of our possessions affects our spirituality. It’s not comfortable, but it’s true. And it’s worth talking about in the family of God. Let’s open our hearts to our Lord in this area, asking the hard questions and choosing (learning and teaching our kids while they are young!) to live generously.  

There is no “how-to” instruction manual for this. It’s not about who is right or wrong based on what they own or how they spend their resources. It’s just a simple principle: If we can let go of this idol of always needing more, we will be more free and open to the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives. Today’s verse reminds us: There is something special and important, something critical about being willing to let go. 

WORK //   

Think about what God has blessed you with and ask Him how He would like you to use those blessings to be a blessing. Today, if you haven’t already, place an empty “Heartwork jar” somewhere prominent in your home and use it to collect spare change and the money you are sacrificing over this month to collect for your sponsored child’s Family Gift or to give the gift of a Safe Water Well if you do not sponsor a child. Next, choose one thing to give away to someone who needs it more than you do. Let these acts of faith be a practical sign telling God that you want what He desires for your life. 

In closing today, we want to invite you to read Luke 9:23-25 one more time. Those are pretty huge statements Jesus is making. What is the scariest part about that challenge? What is the most exciting part? Make a few notes in your journal. 

Watch this video of a student who worked hard and made sacrifices to be able to sponsor a child. Let his story inspire your generosity!