I believe it was William Barclay in his study of Jesus’s Sermon On The Mount who offered some tremendous insights concerning the importance of giving and generosity as it pertains to time, talent, service, material, and monetary possessions. He moves from preaching to meddling as he dares to venture into the realm of motivation. He talks about the objectives of some of us at times when we practice this much-needed and appreciated attribute today …. generosity.
Why do we give of ourselves and our possessions? This question goes a little too deep as I ask myself this rather convicting question. The reason our motives are often mixed, to say the least, is because it is often easier to practice generosity, mercy, grace, love, forgiveness, etc. when there is a benefit or perk.
Let me give you some meddlings to ponder and as I do I find myself convicted for the times when my motives ventured toward the questionable:
There is generosity for show. This is when we make our availability a subject for others to consider with the hope that our efforts will be recognized. I have to ask myself this probing question at times. Would I help this person if there was not an audience? We often call it being a witness for Jesus when in fact sometimes our giving can be a chance for someone to sing our praises. I am sure there have been times when I did this so folks would acknowledge that I had a real job. But Jesus said in Matthew 6:1
- Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them. If you do you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
At the risk of putting words in the mouth of the author let me add, “You received your reward. People noticed and shared the news with others and you have enhanced your reputation.”
There is giving to others to secure a sense of superiority. This is when we congratulate ourselves on our prosperity and intelligence. We may give a lecture or a sermon on what the recipient needs to do. This is the attitude of the Pharisees who gave vast sums and most probably included with their donations words of instruction as they exchanged fist bumps for their works of charity.
In Mark 12 Jesus is quick to point out the following:
- “This widow who gave two copper coins has given more than any of y’all.” (AOV)
This is true because she had pure motives and she gave to the point of sacrifice.
There is giving in order to put God into our debt. It’s all about accounting:
- “I am gonna give God ten percent and an occasional bonus. He will acknowledge this and give me a good return on my investment.”
Plain and simple, this is the prosperity gospel, and to quote Forrest Gump, “that’s all I’m gonna say about that!”
The true motivation is found in the scripture …that God may get the glory:
- Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men that they might see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Well, I have rambled today so that I might offer you a simple opportunity to give:
Gina Zavilla Mendoza constructed a blessing box for Poplar Springs for her Girl Scout Silver Award. She has filled it with nonperishable goods to be available to any in need in our community. After her initial stocking of the cupboard, it will be up to us to keep the goods there. There will be no cameras in the area or trumpets and sirens blaring when you put your can of Beenie Weenies in the box, and there is a good chance someone may clean the box out or vandalize it. I cannot guarantee that when you deposit that can of creamed corn in the receptacle you will miraculously receive a case of spaghettio’s via Amazon. But we certainly hope God Gets the glory!
Andy o