Radical Generosity

One of the biggest challenges facing Christianity today is the tension between Western values and the life Jesus calls us to.  Particularly in the United States, we live in a culture of unbridled individualism and rampant consumerism.  My point isn’t to throw shade on the United States, but to explore how the Christian lifestyle can occasionally be at odds with our culture, especially when it comes to money.

Recently this surfaced in a small group discussion where we explored how difficult it can be to name our abundant resources (and let’s face it, in our country we have plenty) as blessings from God.  Because when we do this, does it somehow suggest those without resources are somehow less blessed or even not blessed at all?

I certainly don’t have an answer, nor would I attempt one.  But it merits a discussion of the difference between our western worldview and that of God’s kingdom.  Jesus spoke to a reality more communal in nature— one of radical hospitality; radical generosity.  The Kingdom of God stresses mutuality - forgiving one another even when they don’t deserve it.  Sharing when you don’t expect anything in return. The Kingdom of God is about equality and justice. 

So if there is someone in our midst who is abundantly blessed with financial resources, or even if that person is you- it’s ok to consider it a blessing from God.  Because God’s intent for this blessing is not simply personal gain- it’s to be a blessing to others.  To boldly share those resources to make the world a better place.  In other words, the blessing would always be for the sake of the community.

This can be difficult to grasp - might even seem like foolishness.  But that’s the Kingdom of God, folks.

It’s easy to slip into a scarcity mentality- storing up our silos, fearful of “running out.”  Let’s give, but maybe hold a little back.  Our culture even implores us to do so, wrapped in the context of “fiscal responsibility”.  But the kingdom of God is almost always counter-cultural.  The Kingdom of God is one of abundance.  God’s provision is far greater than we can ever fathom.

So share freely.  Give boldly.  Trust in God’s loving provision. 

Be a blessing.  And you will be blessed.

See you in church,
Pastor Brook