This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12
“One day an Australian man came and made a substantial donation. But as he did this he said, “This is something external. Now I want to give something of myself.” He now comes regularly to the house of the dying to shave the sick men and to converse with them. This man gives not only his money but also his time. He could have spent on himself, but what he wants is to give of himself.
I often ask for gifts that have nothing to do with money. There are so many other things one can give. What I desire is the presence of the giver, for him or her to touch those to whom they give, to smile at them, for him or her to pay attention to them. All of this is very meaningful for those people.
I urge people to join our work, for our profit and for the profit of everyone…I ask them to bring their love, to over the sacrifice of their hands… I think that a person who is attached to riches, who lives with the worry of riches, is actually very poor. If this person puts his or her money at the service of others, then he or she is rich, very rich.”
Mother Teresa (1910-1997) in In the Heart of the World, ed. by Becky Benenate (New York: Fine Communications, 1997) 69-70.
The generosity in this story takes two forms: support and service. The Aussie gave a big financial gift and gave of himself. He helped shave the sick with humble service.
What might this look like at your church? You might give generously but also do tasks that others may not find popular or glamorous to help the gospel go out this Christmas season.
How about your community or region? What might it look like to support and serve there? And just imagine the impact of others getting involved with you.
Now think your global participation in God’s work. It could take shape as offering wisdom and expertise or providing a blanket of prayer and intercession along with sharing financial resources.
Why dream like this today? I am learning from John Stanley to shift from telling people what they “should” do to inviting them to wonder and imagine what can be.
I feel this approach positions the Spirit to guide us regarding specific applications that match our specific resources related to support and our giftedness and margin linked to service.