Living in Generosity
Have you ever considered generosity to be a fundamental building block of a meaningful life? In a recent message, we explored generosity not just as an act, but as a "lifegiving and" in the Bible, a principle that actively brings the hope of Jesus into our world. This isn't just about what we give; it's about a complete shift in perspective that impacts everything.
Our Vision: A Community of Generous People
At its heart, the vision is clear: to be a community defined by generosity. This means being people who honor Jesus, love each other, and serve our neighbors. It’s a holistic approach to living, where generosity isn't an isolated act but a core part of who we are.
Seeing the World Through "Generous Eyes"
Jesus' teaching on generosity from the Sermon on the Mount holds a profound truth: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Viewing the world through "generous eyes" leads to a life full of light and eternal impact. In contrast, a "stingy mind point of view" can only lead to darkness. It highlights that generosity begins in the heart and profoundly shapes our reality.
Christ Community’s Commitment to Generosity
This commitment to generosity isn't abstract. Our church has clear goals: to have our ministries fully funded and to give over a million dollars annually to other "gospel forward ministries." These are organizations that specifically serve marginalized people and those with little access to the good news of Jesus. Being "fully funded" means ensuring we have the resources to fulfill our God-given mission and vision without compromise.
Addressing Common Barriers to Giving
The sermon bravely tackled the very real reasons people hesitate to give. Let's break them down:
"I didn't know": It's common to be unaware of the operational side of ministry. The truth is, the church operates and moves forward directly through the generous giving of its members.
"I don't trust": This is a valid concern. To build trust, the message detailed our financial integrity measures: offerings are collected in pairs, a volunteer board provides monthly oversight, and an outside accounting firm conducts annual reviews. We also maintain close relationships with our ministry partners, reviewing their finances annually. A powerful point was made: if we trust the church with our souls, perhaps trusting with our finances shouldn't be the most significant hurdle. The story of the widow's mite reminds us that Jesus applauds the giver, regardless of the institution's specific spending decisions.
"I can't afford": This is a universal struggle. However, the message asserted that God, as a supremely generous provider, would never make generosity unattainable. Scriptures like 2 Corinthians 8:9 and 2 Corinthians 9:7-11 were referenced, illustrating God's nature as a giver who provides abundantly so that we, in turn, can give cheerfully and experience joy.
Dreaming of Future Opportunities Through Generosity
Generosity isn't just about maintaining; it's about expanding impact and dreaming big. The sermon outlined exciting initiatives on the horizon, all made possible through generous giving:
Continuing support for an internally displaced people's camp in West Africa.
Supporting missionaries globally.
Involvement in leadership development in the Twin Cities.
Building churches in the Dominican Republic.
Investing in early childhood education in Uganda.
Growing local ministry partnerships.
Enhancing our IT infrastructure.
Expanding investment in our leaders.
Better caring for our dedicated staff.
These are not just aspirations; they are tangible ways generosity translates into real-world change.
A Call to Personal Action: Start Where You Are
The call to action was simple, yet profound: "start where you are" or "start where you should" in your giving journey. It emphasizes that giving is ultimately more about faith than finances. An upcoming change in our online giving platform was presented as an ideal opportunity for people to begin or re-evaluate their commitment to generosity.
Finally, the true nature of giving always involves sacrifice. Craig Groeschel defines this as "giving up something you love for something you love even more. " This beautiful truth connects directly to the ultimate act of sacrifice and grace: Jesus Christ, who, though rich, became poor for our sake, so that we might become truly rich through Him.
Generosity isn't just a duty; it's a pathway to a life of greater purpose, light, and profound connection.