This weekend at NCC, we had the privilege of being challenged by Pastor Dino Rizzo (Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, LA) by his “One” prayer for the church: make us extremely generous. As we think about ways we can give generously just as our Heavenly Father has given so generously to us, let’s look at a few passages of Scripture which illuminate why extreme generosity should be a part of every believer’s life.
Any discussion on giving in the church setting usually begins with talking about tithing, but I believe that extreme generosity moves us beyond the tithe. In fact, one may argue that the tithe (10 percent of our “first fruits”) is the minimum we should be giving for God’s kingdom. Disciples of Christ who are passionate about “forcefully advancing” His kingdom will exercise extreme generosity beyond the biblical requirement. I am so encouraged to see many of our leaders setting the example already, through the gifts of their time, talents, physical resources, and money.
What I took away from this weekend’s message is that we all have the ability to be extremely generous, and we can do so in all areas of our lives, not just with money. Pastor Dino said it perfectly this weekend we he said that “extreme generosity is not about money; it is about about your heart.” I think this is what Jesus was getting at in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; or where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Giving — being extremely generous — is one of the responsibilities of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. As investors, we are commanded to tithe and encouraged to give. Acts 2:45 describes the early Christians in this way: “Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” The goal of tithing and of giving is not to get something in return, although God has promised His blessings on those who give obediently, cheerfully and with right motives (Mal. 3:10, 2 Cor. 9:7). The goal is not even to make sure that the physical needs of others are met.
Our primary motivation for practicing extreme generosity is to worship God by giving Him all that we have and all that we are. As Pastor Dino said this weekend, and as Pastor Mark has said many times before, God isn’t primarily interested in our money. God is interested in the condition of our hearts. He wants us to give so that He may open the floodgates of His blessing upon us. As always, He has set the example for us by giving the greatest gift of all — salvation through the death of His only Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
God blesses those who give with a cheerful heart and practice extreme generosity toward those He loves. His blessings may not always come in the form we expect, but we can have faith that they will come. Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38)
In this passage, Jesus illustrates the principle of overflowing abundance. When Jesus talked about money, He wasn’t talking in terms of financial spreadsheets and living paycheck to paycheck. He talked about pouring out extravagant love. Giving has more to do with attitude than with math.
NCC’s core discipleship group “Journey” focuses on giving/tithing as the financial dimension of discipleship. True disciples who invest in the kingdom of God are on the look out for opportunities to serve and to be extremely generous. As we strive to grow as Christ’s disciples, we should aspire to treasure the things that God treasures. Here are some principles of giving outlined in the “Journey” curriculum:
1. God is my Provider, and everything I have belongs to Him. I am merely a steward or manager of these resources (1 Chron. 29:11-12; Luke 16:10-14).
2. Make giving to God your top priority (Prov. 3:9-10).
3. Giving one-tenth of your income is a spiritual benchmark (Mal. 3:6-12).
4. Giving should be done out of a cheerful heart, or it doesn’t count (2 Cor. 9:7).
5. Your priorities are reflected in your calendar and in your checkbook (Matt. 6:21).
6. Giving is a matter of trust, not a matter of math (Matt. 6:19-43).
7. All of your stuff (not just money) is a tool for God’s purposes (Acts 2:45).
8. God doesn’t want your money, but He does want your heart (Matt. 6:24).
9. God gave first (John 3:16).
10. You can’t outgive God (2 Cor. 9:10-11).
How can we practice extreme generosity this week?
Great review and commentary, Sarah!
Heather Z
June 25th, 2008