Generous Manhood
We think about generosity mainly in terms of money, and that’s certainly part of it. But here’s a question to consider: How does your entire life as a man of God reflect generosity?
When it comes to generosity, money is still a good place to start. Because … “For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
And …
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
Randy Alcorn, an author and the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries, wrote two of my favorite books on how followers of Jesus should understand money and finances.
Both were written years ago, but they’ve stood the test of time. Money, Possessions, & Eternity covers way more than money, and is thicker than a Chicago phonebook (Google it, kids). Read that book (not the phonebook) if you really want a deep dive on the theology of money. Before that, however, start with The Treasure Principle, which is short and sweet.
But don’t think generosity is only about money. It’s also about time, talents, possessions, relationships, attitudes, motivations, and everything else God gives us to steward on His behalf, while we trod through this sojourn called life.
When we couch generosity in those terms, it can show up in unexpected ways. Secular author James Clear came up with this pretty good list of “unexpected” forms of generosity:
Being early can be a form of generosity. You wait, so they don’t have to.
Leaving something unsaid can be a form of generosity. You don’t always need the last word.
Delivering your work on time can be a form of generosity. You make life easier for everyone downstream.
Not taking things personally can be a form of generosity. You give people the space to say things imperfectly.
Think of all the ways you might add to that list, personalizing it to your work, your church, your family, and your community. What might generosity look like now? Get that picture in your head and go live it, because we are commanded to be generous in all of its forms. In fact, the Apostle Paul wrote this way:
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18)
It’s also worth remembering that generosity comes with a promise, but that the promise includes a caution.
First the promise, which is found in verses such as …
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)
And …
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
Now the caution, which we find in verses such as …
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)
And …
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’” (Luke 12:15)
In other words, expect a reward but don’t buy stock in the prosperity gospel. Generosity from the heart is its own reward, and what we reap from it might not be material in form.
It might be peace, joy, and contentment. It might be the satisfaction of demonstrating the love of God to those around us and seeing them benefit.
Most of all, it’s up to God, not us, to decide what we need and what we will gain from our generosity. For us, generosity is simply an act of obedience. And as the spiritual leaders of our hearts and our households, we can’t be godly men without it.