Making Room for Generosity

By Brian Jacks
Marketplace Pastor of Christ Church

Gas prices are higher than they’ve ever been in US history. Over the last year, rents in New Jersey increased 27 percent¹. And, we’re experiencing the highest year-over-year inflation increases since April 1981. Market forces like these can result in a lot of financial stress. Oh, and by the way, we’re in the midst of a Generosity Journey. So let’s get real practical.

Yes, the timing seems less than ideal and it would be easy to justify taking a detour off this generosity journey. I’m sure many have thought about this journey in light of their current reality. But, I’m convinced that there is never a great time to be generous. There are always other pressing financial needs.

Of course, if you're in the midst of a financial emergency, then please do what needs to be done. Paul tells us in Romans 8:1 that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The Lord is not an accuser. He is our redeemer, provider and protector. With that context as we continue reading Romans chapter 8, Paul tells us in Verse 4 , "...we do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Living according to the Spirit is a faith walk. Before you take that detour, let’s consider how you can trust God in very practical ways to continue your generosity journey in faith.

Listen

There is a very familiar verse that is also found in the book of Romans, Romans 10:17 (KJV) says, "…faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Ask yourself the question, what are you listening to? What voices have your attention? Are you listening to doom and gloom financial reporting or are you sowing into your heart the promises of God?

I like remembering the miracles of God. Jesus was not concerned about feeding the 5,000+ when He was in a desert place. All that was known to be available were five loaves of bread and two small fish (Matthew 14:15-21). But, the Bible says everyone ate, they were all filled and they even had enough to fill 12 baskets with food. Did I mention they were in the desert?

Or, how about when money was needed for taxes? Jesus instructed Peter to go fishing. He told him ahead of time that the first fish he caught, he’d find money in the fish’s mouth that would be enough to pay for both of their taxes. And that’s exactly what happened (Matthew 17:27).

Another way we can listen to the word is through song. I love the song “Way Maker.” "And You are, way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper. Light in the darkness, my God, that is who you are.” Or how about the song “Too Good to Not Believe” by Brandon Lake, “There’s nothing that our God can’t do”. Of course there is “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Listening and meditating on songs that contain the Word of God or that are based on the Word of God build faith. It works for me.

Act

This walk of faith is not just about listening and meditating on the Word of God, but it includes acting on the Word of God. When things get tight, will I be obedient to what God has asked of me? Faith is a verb that requires action.

In the second chapter of the New Testament book that bears his name, James shares in detail and with examples the relationship between faith and works. Works is another word for action. Take time to read and meditate on verses 14-26. You’ll be reminded that, “faith by itself, if it does not have works (actions), is dead.” Or, the bold statement James proclaims, “I will show you my faith by my works.”

You can show the Lord your faith when you manage your resources, sacrifice, and prioritize your giving to the continued funding of His church and His programs. When you decide not to give above your tithe according to what you believe God placed on your heart to give, you have to examine what you're using your financial resources to purchase. It takes effort to examine our spending habits to make sure your spending is aligned with your priorities, and that's easier to do when you live below your income. I realize it’s easier said than done, but that freedom allows you to not only obediently respond to the Lord in giving, but allows you to save for your future. As prices start to spike, it means that you have to reevaluate your spending which means making hard choices. But, when you proactively manage your financial life to live below your income, you will live a freer, more fulfilled life as you walk in the generosity that delights our Lord.

Believe

When you listen to the Word of the Lord and act on your faith, then you have to believe that your loving heavenly Father who loves you beyond your comprehension will take care of you and will direct you as He meets your need. The Bible is filled with promise after promise and example after example of how He takes care of His children. Our Father is no deadbeat dad. He is here for you and always has your best in mind. Our Father will provide for you even as He provided for the Macedonian church that sent financial gifts to Paul to support his ministry even when they were dealing with very tough circumstances that Paul referred to as, “their extreme poverty.” Paul used the Macedonian church to encourage the church in Corinth and shared this very powerful and potent promise found in 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in very good work.”

We all know Paul’s reassurance given to the Philippian church when they prioritized giving to Paul’s ministry that is found in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

As we continue on this generosity journey, lets listen, act and believe God. Our Father is the Almighty God. There is nothing that He cannot do on behalf of His children that love him deeply. Remember, God’s economy is so much greater than this world’s economy.

¹https://jerseydigs.com/jersey-city-new-jersey-rent-increase-2022/