"And do not forget to do good and to share with others..." Hebrews 16:1
People give all sorts of things to people. Sometimes things that are broken and not working, and even things that will be cherished as they really meet a need and are genuinely helpful.
I don’t know if you’ve thought about this, but generosity has little to do with money. It doesn’t. It has to do with heart, with attitude, with a mindset that makes generous choices. John Bunyan was an English writer who penned over sixty books. Perhaps the most famous is Pilgrim’s Progress. Concerning generosity, he said, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” Many in the age we live in ask the question, “What’s in it for me?”
It is unfair to describe a whole generation with a broad stroke, but there is a legitimate increase in selfishness. Many of those who struggle almost pride themselves in this.
Before you dismiss this as something that only applies to someone else and not to you personally, consider this: Selfishness described at least two of the disciples, James and John. They were hoping for a place of honor in the coming Kingdom. Mark 10:37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” If Jesus’ chosen disciples struggled, you and I might also.
Remember Jesus’ parable about the Great Banquet? Luke 14:12-14 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Let's work on developing and cultivating a genuine heart. Why not set your timer for four different times today and when the timer goes off say a quick little prayer, "God help me be generous and show me an opportunity!"
