As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Those who give mercifully should be advised that they not consider themselves to be greater than those upon whom they bestow earthly goods; in effect, that they not assume that they are better than those whom they see themselves to support. For the lord of an earthly household, by distributing the ranks and responsibilities to his servants, instructs some to have authority and others to be submissive to that authority. The latter he orders to provide what is necessary to the others; the former he permits to accept what is offered to them. Generally, however, it is the leaders who offend, whereas those who are governed typically remain in the good grace of the lord of the house. In short, those who are dispensers incur wrath, while those who subsist on the dispensations of others continue without offense. Therefore, those who give mercifully of what they have should be advised that they acknowledge that they have been placed in a position to be a giver of temporal goods by the Lord of heaven. Moreover, they should give all the more humbly, in the knowledge that the things that they dispense are not their own. And when they consider that they are in the service of those to whom they give what they themselves have received, they should not allow pride to swell in their minds, but remain humbled in fear.”
Gregory the Great (c. 540-604) in The Book of Pastoral Rule (Crestwood: St Vladimirs Seminary Press, 2007) 140-141.
Gregory exhibits similar zeal as the Apostle Paul when he urges those with more than enough not to be arrogant or to hope in riches by wrongly holding on to them, but to enjoy and share them! In his words, such people should give mercifully and dispense humbly.
This is sound advice from one of the four doctors of the Western Church. Modern day givers who desire to be generous must not miss the insights he is putting forth. The problems tend to appear among the dispensers and not the recipients of giving.
Everything that each of us possesses is not our own, so all giving must be done with humility. Givers, myself included, too often like to control others or outcomes with giving. God forgive us. Help us instead, give out of humility and obedience with mercy with joy knowing that we are merely executing a responsibility God has entrusted to us. God help us not be part of the problem but part of the solution!
Today I am flying to Austin, Texas. I get to teach in a deeper learning track at the EFCA One Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. I’d appreciate your prayers for safe travel and fruitful service. Thank you.