Generosity as Freedom From Burdens

Recently, I was moved by a talk I heard given by Bob Goff, the much-loved speaker, author, and founder of social action charity Love Does. Speaking on ‘the small beginnings’ of Zechariah 4:10, he referenced the mustard seed in scripture, growing from the smallest of kernels into the largest of trees, providing shelter and shade. And he said this: ‘If you are generous the way that Jesus talked about generosity, you’re going to find that your small act of generosity is going to turn into a huge tree, and people are going to get the rest that they need.’ Tiny seeds of generosity can grow into big trees which provide rest and relief for those carrying heavy burdens of anxiety due to intensely challenging circumstances. In other words, small acts can have life-changing consequences. 

But it’s not just the recipient’s life that’s changed through generosity. While they may finally be able to relax, knowing their immediate need is now covered, the giver’s heart is also simultaneously freed from the potential trap of money and possessions. It too is relieved of a burden – the burden of self-sufficiency – and is released into God’s kingdom as it goes out to people in need. 

Whenever I’ve been financially ‘comfortable’, I’ve been tempted to use my money in worldly ways: to build security by saving; to maintain a surplus by investing to get a good return; or on my own satisfaction – making the most of life and embracing all the experiences I can afford. And in a sense, there’s nothing wrong with these desires. They are good desires, but they were never meant to be the ultimate ends. When I place my treasure in savings, investments, or my own enjoyment, I’m realistically trying to fulfil heavenly longings with earthly fixes. 

“God doesn’t want your money because he wants your money. He wants your money because he wants your heart, and he knows that what your heart treasures your money will flow easily towards.” – Revd Stephen Foster, previous National Director of Alpha UK.

When I give towards kingdom purposes – in other words when I live generously – I am redirecting my treasure towards heaven and freeing myself from the immense worldly pressures of ensuring my own security, building up my own status, or living the fullest possible life to keep up with those around me. The best part is that giving increases my trust in God, as I rely on him for what I need rather than striving to be my own mini ‘saviour’. 

I’m asking myself ‘where is my heart?’ Is it locked up in a bank? Is it creating additional layers of comfort for those who are already perfectly comfortable? Or could it be with the person in need – a precious child of God struggling under the weight of worry as they try to provide for their family or pay their bills. Could my heart go out to them, wherever they may be, and help them to flourish as God intended?

My generosity (however big or small) can afford someone else sacred rest, and at the same time, it gently frees me from the imprisonment of greed. Being generous to someone could be the thing that moves them from a place of surviving to a place of thriving, and in God’s economy I believe that it will also relieve me of the burden of ‘treasures stored up on earth’ where they are merely gathering dust and diverting my trust away from my Heavenly Father. My prayer is that my generosity, directed towards those who are most vulnerable, desperate and weighed down, will transport my heart to be exactly where Jesus would be – with the poor, the lonely, and the marginalised, offering them the break that enables them to live with lightness and freedom.

Consider what ‘treasure’ has a hold of your heart. Could relief be just one generous decision away, both for you and for someone in need? Spend some time with God in prayer about this today.