Being generous is wonderful. It always leaves everyone with a warm fuzzy feeling... right?
Have you ever been on the receiving end of a well-meaning (or not so well-meaning) gift, only to feel slighted? For example, you receive an elaborate gift from someone, but feel it was only meant to impress others? Or maybe someone spends time discipling you, only to disappear without another word? While the person's intentions are appreciated, it almost feels as though the net result was a loss.
I see this too often. From leaders who mean well, but overbook themselves... from volunteers who are pumped up, but lose interest after the glitter fades... from people who want to give generously, but never get their hands dirty.
As a church, we are absolutely called to be generous (Acts 20:35 It is more blessed to give than to receive). But we are also called to be devoted. Our generosity- whether with our time, our money, our belongings -should be intentional. It should bless others and put them ahead, but should not leave them feeling abandoned or alone. It should help to empower and encourage the recipient.
The scene surrounding the giving should be non-existent. The right hand should not know what the left is doing. It is not an opportunity for a giver to receive accolades, nor for her to feel superior. A gift should be a blessing, an investment into another for His glory.
I pray that when we give, love and humility take center stage, that we keep our hearts and intentions in check. After all, it is only by God's grace that we have the ability to give in the first place.
No comments:
Post a Comment