Generosity, part 2

I cannot let you off the hook on this one.  Temper these words with yesterday's post, but be careful not to temper them too much.

The heart of the Christian faith is that we learn to spend ourselves for others.  Take up our cross.  Not my will but Thine be done.  This is not optional.  It is not negotiable.  The Christian faith is not something that occasionally interrupts our lives, but is by definition, life changing.  The principles of the faith should dominate our lives, not simply interrupt them.  We don't live our lives and take a break to do something Christian, we are invited to learn to live outside of ourselves.

With that said, why shouldn't we respond to invitations to help?  Why shouldn't we give our time, talent and treasure for the sake of Christ?  No one will die thinking that they should have been less generous, but many in their waning years begin to realize that we have spent much of our lives caring for ourselves.

We are so blessed, and there are so many needs in the world.  How can we hold back our heart toward those in need?  God is looking for people whose hearts are turned towards him and his people.  Please don't ever be annoyed by an ask.  Whether it is a homeless person on the corner, a canned food drive, a blood drive or a pledge drive, every single opportunity like this is an opportunity for us to learn to live as Jesus taught us.   I have never been mad that I gave blood, brought food or made a financial pledge, those actions in fact have been some of the most rewarding. 

Generosity.  For Christians, it is not optional, it is central.  And, it is where we find the joy.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.