Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
“Generosity is an exciting path to walk. It’s not just about giving money. It involves our time, our talents, and our all. It involves helping to multiply more Christ-like stewards. It includes impacting our societies. We must not stand still.”
Suparno Adijanto (Indonesia) in “The Exciting Path” in Christ-Centered Generosity: Global Perspectives on the Biblical Call to a Generous Life (Colbert: GGN & KLP) 34.
Today marks the end of the second week of Lent. I pray your Lenten journey is going well. Whether you are doing acts of generosity, committing more time for prayer, and/or fasting, ask God what He may be trying to teach you about life beyond Lent?
I am learning that pausing to pray seven times helps me attune to God at work in me and others, that fasting helps me realize that the only thing I can’t live without is Jesus, and that giving generously does not leave me empty but rather enriched.
Shortly I board a plane for Phoenix. I get to lead a workshop this afternoon and another one tomorrow morning for seminary leaders about raising up generous stewards. In between I get to introduce my mentor, Wes Willmer, as the plenary conference speaker tonight.
Why are we both going? Wes and I have dedicated our lives to “multiplying more Christ-like stewards.” If you have not read Willmer’s book, God and Your Stuff: The Vital Link Between Your Possessions and Your Soul, pick up a copy today and read it. Classic book.
Join us in this global work. It starts where God has you. Multiply more Christ-like stewards right where you are. If you are a mom, disciple your children and encourage fellow mothers. If you are a father, make your household a headquarters for generosity.
If you are a grandmother, scatter kindness and shower your grandchildren (and everyone else) with God’s love. If you are a grandfather (like my dad who turns 77 today, Happy Birthday Dad!), keep pointing others to Jesus through humble service.
Together let’s impact societies. In the words of Adijanto: “We must not stand still” (except of course to pause, so that we attune to God and only say what He wants us to say and do what He wants us to do)! What an exciting path!