Generous Living

Wilfrid Hyde White, the English actor who gained acclaim playing the role of Colonel Pickering in My Fair Lady , died at age 87, having lived what most would characterize as a colorful and successful life.

The Daily Telegraph reported White's death as well as his confession on his materialism and its failure to satisfy his deepest longings. The paper quoted White as saying, “I’ve owned 12 horses, seven Rolls Royce’s, and I’ve had mistresses in Paris, London, and New York—it never made me happy.”

Raymond Brown describes three attitudes of individuals toward money and wealth. The first group needs it. They are poor and needy. The second group idolizes it. They seek to take advantage of others and do whatever necessary to get more of it. The third group shares it. They use their wealth to bless and be a blessing.

I shared yesterday with the Refuge Church family that I want my life to be characterized by generosity.  I want my life in all respects to bless and be a blessing to others.  And I'm not there yet. I may not even be close. God intends to fully fund the work of His mission with the giving of His people and I want to give generously of all that God has given to me.

Recently Sarah and I were reminded of such generous and compassionate living. As we prepare for Micah's second liver transplant, a group of our former students we had the privilege of serving in previous years, gave us a card. In addition to the encouraging words of prayer and support, they also gave financially for any needs, even one student giving all that she had made in a particular month, right down to the penny. To say the least, we were immensely blessed. We were blessed as much, if not more, by the act of generosity than the amount of that generosity. 

The problem for too many followers of Jesus is that their wealth has possessed them rather than them possessing their wealth. Jesus talked much about wealth and possessions. He warned us not to think our life consists of what we own, possess, or have stored in our bank account, garage, or safe.  He was far more concerned with His disciples allowing money to control them than money being within their control. 

True riches are not even stored here according to Jesus. They are secured in the vault of heaven where they are eternally safe and secure.

It seems that many have missed this, like Mr. White. And we have all read and heard countless stories of men and women who died lamenting that their worldly pursuits of possessions, positions, and pleasure left them empty. Rarely have I, if ever, heard of one person regretting the time they gave serving, the resources they spent meeting needs, and the life lived for the glory of God and the blessing of others.

How are you living? Would others say your pursuit is for the glory of you or the glory of God? What would you say about the way you use your time and resources? Are you generous or stingy? 

When you come to the end of life, assuming you are able to reflect in that moment, would what you are living for today leave you full or empty in that moment? Could what you are living for today cause great regret for you tomorrow?