If only I had more money, I’d be more willing to bless others. If only I were rich, I’d be more generous.
That was what I used to think. But here’s a sobering realisation from the Bible: It is the generous who will prosper (Proverbs 11:25) – not the prosperous who will be generous!
It’s true. Status or wealth does not guarantee that one will exhibit generosity. I’ve known wealthy people who are selfish, but at the same time, I’ve witnessed those who have little give unreservedly. The story of the poor widow always humbles me.
“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”” (Luke 21:1-4)
God specialises in using “little.”
Generosity is more about posture than it is about value. In other words, it’s not about the amount you can offer, but the spirit and heart behind it. The poor widow out-gave all the rich folk despite putting in only two very small copper coins.
I used to be stumbled over the little I was able to give or sow into anything – it felt negligible. Until I realised God specialises in using “little.” Had a young boy not offered up his seemingly insignificant 5 loaves and 2 fish into Jesus’ hands – 5000 would not have had their fill that day and experienced one of the greatest demonstrations of divine provision.
God is not in need of resources – He owns the universe. What He wants from our giving, is for us to cultivate a spirit of generosity and selflessness. What He seeks are sons and daughters who would partner with Him in releasing Heaven’s resources by sowing the first seeds.
Generosity is not even an issue of personality, it is actually an issue of identity. My problem was not that I was naturally thrifty or prudent, my problem was that I had not yet fully understood sonship.
The orphan spirit hoards for fear of lack, but the renewed mind gives from a place of security. If I truly believed He owns all of Heaven and Earth, and that He calls me son – it means I have access to unlimited resources in Heaven and on Earth. Would I not be compelled and provoked to live generously? To be a conduit of His blessings and resources?
God wants us to be generous because it models His heart. We ought to be generous not just financially, but also with our time, words and deeds. I believe the level of our generosity partly determines how much resources, influence and authority God will put in our hands.
Ever since stepping into ministry, I’ve had the wonderful privilege of being friends with many who exemplify radical generosity. More often than not, they carry great influence and are impacting our world profoundly. After all, God shows He readily adds to those who have been faithful with little (Luke 16:10).
Let us therefore endeavour to walk in radical generosity, demonstrating the Kingdom wherever we go.
This article was first published on Awaken Generation’s blog, and is republished with permission.
