Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“One of our chief duties as a Christian is delight and gratitude. God has been a generous Father and is frivolous in His giving. God is not unhappy about our enjoyment of the world, in fact quite the opposite. He is only unhappy if our enjoyment of the gift handed down doesn’t complete the circle by returning in thanksgiving ascending upward . . . Look around you, there is so much to be taken in and appreciated; friends, family, home, sunsets, sweets, and smiles. None of which are even explicable much less deserved. They are all given. May our lives be filled with gratitude to the Giver.”
Jesse Pirschel in “the eNewsletter” of Covenant Presbyterian Church, 8451 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421, dated 31 March 2016.
Special thanks to my friend, Jason Coffey of CBMC, for sharing this eNewsletter with yesterday. Since Easter I have been exploring the things God cares about linked to generosity. Pirschel rightly reminds us to take delight and return gratitude. Enjoyment of God’s gifts is where generosity begins. He literally commands us to enjoy His good gifts! When enjoyment is coupled with gratitude, we acknowledge the source of all blessings: God. That positions us to imitate Him, which is generosity!
Yesterday morning was amazing to walk the dog in three inches of fresh snow in Littleton, Colorado. It was so beautiful. Today I am thankful to enjoy the warm sunshine and palm trees of San Diego, California, with my wife, and for the privilege of seeing my daughter perform in the Spring Musical at San Diego Christian College, You Are A Good Man Charlie Brown. Not only that, we get to enjoy the day with Jenni’s parents on campus where I shot this striking header photo . . . all wonderful gifts!
Take a few minutes today to delight in the gifts that God has lavished on you. In response, return thanks and exhibit generosity by not only enjoying them, but share richly from the material and spiritual blessings He has richly given you.