“What do you suppose is the trajectory of giving in the Bible? Is it stingy, grudging, and resentful? Is it rightly used to magically get something from God? Or is it generous and others-oriented, mimicking the sacrificial life of Jesus? This is a pretty easy question to answer, and we don’t even have to look for a proof text…The spiritual practice of generosity, which comes from simplicity of heart, moves us from mere legalisms, compassionless mechanisms, or stingy mathematical formulas of tithing, to an ever simpler life for the sake of others.”
Todd D. Hunter from “Giving an Offering: Simplicity of Life” in Giving Church Another Chance: Finding New Meaning in Spiritual Practices (Downers Grove: IVP, 2010) 134.
I had Beau Jo’s pizza in Idaho Springs, CO, last night with Jeff Anderson. He’s becoming a good friend. He’s the author of Plastic Donuts. Read it if you’ve never read it. Great book.
We talked about many topics linked to generosity. Among them, we discussed the teachings that prevent spirit-led generosity in America. Sadly, many are pounding the tithe, which when calling people to return to the OT Law, is producing grudging giving that returns people to slavery. Others are teaching OT promises out of context, leading many to think giving is all about getting and prosperity. Alternatively we shared stories about how God is leading our families down the spirit-led path of simplicity and generosity. It was sweet fellowship.
To my surprise, after reading Galatians 5 this morning, my research tools led me to read this chapter by Todd Hunter. Todd essentially came to the same conclusion. So my call this morning is this: let’s all abandon teachings that lead people to slavery and prosperity and instead promote simplicity and generosity. And let’s do this not because it’s the new legalism, or for what we will get in return, but because it reflects the trajectory of giving in the Bible. And it’s the others-oriented direction the Holy Spirit is leading us related to giving as we follow Jesus.