RevWrites: Generosity of spirit

I wrote last week about making sure you have a system for giving financially to the Lord’s work. The biblical concept of tithing didn’t simply disappear when Jesus came. After he had given his all for sinful people like us, the thrust of the New Testament is towards generosity. Generosity seems to start where tithing leaves off. So if you’re not giving at least a tithe are you being generous?

A considered and consistent approach to tithing is important. Many of us need systems to help us in this area of Christian obedience. Personally, we use direct debiting because it’s a good system.

You must remember that what we all give to NAC is not only used to pay for our own expenses. Much staff time is taken up in mission among school students and also adults. Some of our money (not enough) is directed to missionary support like the Berthons. I hope soon to be in a position to tell you about new developments in mission that we will be involved in.

A NACer wrote to me recently and mentioned that sometimes they feel like we ask for money but not for our members to give in other ways. I really hope that isn’t reality for too many NACers. If it is for you then read on.

The New Testament makes the point that all Christians are ministers of the goodness of God. The ministry staff are here to enable all NACers to be involved in ministry. Generosity of spirit isn’t limited to money but extends to all the good things our Heavenly Father pours out upon us.
We are to share our homes. We are to share our goods. We are to share our meals. We are to share our time. Just as we share our money. In all these we are to be a generous people.

Are you being generous with ministry? I love watching the men who lead and teach our teenagers on Sunday mornings. I think it’s challenging for them but they seem to get a lot out of ministering to our young people.

I’ve seen JGs leaders struggle to attend JGs after having the flu for a couple of weeks. It would be much easier to stay at home but they press on. It certainly isn’t the pay! They don’t get any. It’s the joy of being committed to an area of ministry that God blesses.

Just as we need discipline and systems for tithing, so we need discipline and systems to maximise our ministry generosity. Are you involved in a regular ministry? If not, why not? Is it because we haven’t asked you? Do you feel like you need training?

There may be many good reasons. If you feel like we ask for you to be generous with your money but not with other ministries, then please talk to your congregational leaders. If they can’t help you in this, give me a call.

Neil Macken