In 2nd Corinthians 8, Paul insiststhat as we strive towards excellence in all areas of our lives that we should not forget to strive towards excellence in giving. Paul writes: But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us see that you also excel in this grace of giving. Similarly, the rich young ruler tells Jesus he has kept all the commandments and Jesus responds by explaining that he lacks one thing- the wealthy man’s earthly treasures prevented him from having treasures in heaven- he did not excel in the grace of giving. (Luke 18)
You and I have been richly blessed in so many ways and as a result I believe we are called to live our lives as generously as possible- to generously give of ourselves and of those things that we have blessed with. My role in Christian ministry has always been all about encouraging others to experience the generous life for themselves and recognizing generosity as worship; an awesome, exciting, outward expression of our faith. I accomplish this by ensuring that fundraising is understood as a ministry to both givers and receivers, that giving is a spiritual discipline and an act of worship, and that in order to give, we must first receive.
Here are a few of my earlier posts that you might be interested in…
Does poor church attendance increase giving?
