I was recently talking with someone about how we live in a “consumer culture,” and about how deeply that kind of thinking has burrowed its way into our hearts and minds. It’s hard to escape. We consume. Products, plastics, food, ideas, even people sometimes. We spend our days being battered by advertisements and promotions which … Continue reading The gold is in the giving
generosity
For the praise of God, or the praise of others?
Would you rather praise God or be praised by others? Let’s be honest. Getting a pat on the back feels good. I’m not knocking that. But we shouldn’t be so obsessed by the praise and approval of others that it eclipses the priority of putting God first. So here’s something you and I can do … Continue reading For the praise of God, or the praise of others?
One habit to live more simply
I love simplicity. And I love things that go along with the idea of simplicity—things like sincerity and practicality. Maybe I really like simplicity because I know that (a) life can get complicated, and (b) I find it very hard to achieve! Writing to the Corinthians Paul says that “we behaved in the world with … Continue reading One habit to live more simply
In the shadow of a stingy God?
Theologian Kosuke Koyama once said in a speech that “every Christian must decide whether we serve a stingy God or a generous God.” I wasn’t in the audience when he said that. But my guess is that he was talking about how our understanding of God impacts how we treat other people. If we think … Continue reading In the shadow of a stingy God?
The beggar and the King
Elisabeth Elliot tells us a story about a beggar and a King. A beggar was sitting at the side of the street with his hat outstretched asking for money. Then he noticed that the King himself was coming, complete with his whole entourage. This was his lucky day! How could the King refuse to give … Continue reading The beggar and the King
Leaving a legacy of wealth
This week we’re probing the idea of how to be wealthy (without any money). In 1 Timothy 6:18 Paul writes, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” Connected to this, on Wednesday we talked about having a real relationship with God. And on … Continue reading Leaving a legacy of wealth
Generosity you don’t deserve
Aren't all religions the same? I get asked that sometimes. The short answer is no. And here's one of the reasons why (and why it matters... eternally)
#LookAtHowGreatIAm
Our egos are like Jabba the Hutt. They can be hungry, self-serving beasts who are always wanting more. Today's devo suggests one thing you can do to up your sincerity before God, making your kindness a bit more about him and less about you.
Reverse gravity
You want to serve. But things in life are already weighing you down. But what if helping others actually made you feel... lighter?
If you’re not giving up something
You probably think you're a fairly "giving person." But if you don't do this, you're probably not. (With thanks to the widow's offering.)
