Becoming More Like Jesus: Generosity預覽

Sacrificial Generosity: Learning to Give More Than We Can Spare

So far, in this reading plan on cultivating a heart of generosity, we have considered four practices from the life of Jesus: solitude, silence, sabbath, and simplicity. Today, we will turn our attention to one final practice from the life of Jesus: Sacrifice.

On the topic of sacrificial generosity, C.S. Lewis penned the following words, "I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc, is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditure excludes them."

With these words, Lewis offers each of us, as Christ's followers, regardless of our economic status, a wealth of wisdom for how we are to steward the financial resources God has so graciously entrusted us with here on earth. However, in a me-first culture characterized by greed and self-indulgence, it can be easy to focus our attention on my needs, my agenda, and my happiness. But this is not the Way of Jesus; instead, as His apprentices, we are called to a lifestyle of sacrifice and self-denial. Daily, we are compelled to "do good and share what we have" with others, for this kind of sacrificial generosity is pleasing to God (See Hebrews 13:16).

As you go about your day, look for opportunities to step into small sacrifices that will cultivate a heart in which generosity naturally flows. A heart overflowing with generosity is willing to regularly ask the question, "Does my charitable giving pinch or hamper my natural cravings for comfort, luxury, and amusement?"

As we close out this reading plan, let us again reflect on the five practices we have considered in our pursuit of becoming more like Jesus in the area of generosity. Solitude and silence create open spaces that allow the Holy Spirit to form in us the fruit of compassion, empathy, and gratitude, which in turn manifests in the outward expression of words of encouragement. Practicing the Sabbath actively fights against our consumeristic tendencies, extending generosity to the multitude of people suffering under the tyranny of oppression. A lifestyle of simplicity and sacrifice creates the necessary margin in our lives, allowing us to be generous with our time, talents, and treasure as God leads us throughout the various seasons of life.

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