Gospel-Motivated Generosity - day 33

Exodus 35:21
and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.

"So what?" Most often, this is the response of a teenager with some attitude. You tell them something and they respond, “So what?” Or in other words, how does that matter to me? I think this is a useful question for us to ask ourselves, especially when it comes to the things that we hold as most important in our lives. I don’t have any illusions that it’s a useful question from an upset teenager’s mouth; but, if we ask it seriously of ourselves, especially in regard to our faith, we can really be blessed.

Exodus, Chapter 35, describes how the people of God were gathering resources to work on the tent of meeting. The people who gave to the work were described as those who were willing and whose heart moved them to give. These people didn’t just say, “Wow, this is a great cause, good luck.” Rather, because they valued the cause, they allowed the motivation of their hearts to spur them on to give generously.

I think we can really learn from their example.

Believers today have an amazing gospel of grace. The Son of God, Himself, came to earth, died on a cross, rose from the grave and earned eternal life for His people in the process. Isn’t this is incredible Good News we have?! And if you’re a believer, I hope you’re agreeing with me right now. I hope your heart over flows when you hear this Good News proclaimed.

But, this is where we make sure this is personal. You are a child of God, bought by the blood of Jesus. How does that affect how you live?

In other words, “so what?”

If the Gospel has saved you, if it motivates you, if it excites you, then, like the believers of old, let the generosity of your life express the passion of your heart.

Today’s Generosity Challenge:
As you go about your day today, think of all the people with whom you will come into contact – your co-workers, the bank teller, your family. Make a little plan about how to express the love and generosity of Jesus to them. Maybe it’s a kind word or an expression of gratitude, a time of prayer, maybe a little gift or thoughtful card: Just a simple expression of love. Just do it for at least one day. Write down how your observations here. Then make another plan for tomorrow.

About Michael Stickler

Mike is an author, radio host, and a highly sought after motivational speaker. His best-selling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the publisher of Generous Living Magazine and writes for the Christian Post, 'A Generous Life' column.