Meditations

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. Ephesians 4:7

“What would your relationships be like if you…

1. Treated every individual as a potential friend?

2. Made choices as you drove, talked on the phone, traveled, and interacted with your neighbors that showed you value every person’s worth?

3. Received others’ acts of kindness and generosity with graciousness?

4. Spoke courteously with everyone, even those with whom you disagree?

5. Learned to express common courtesies to the people you love the most?”

Gary Chapman in Love As a Way of Life: Seven Keys to Transforming Every Aspect of Your Life (Colorado Springs: Waterbrook, 2008) 108-109.

These five questions will not only transform our relationships. They can shape our generosity in a distinctly Christian way. Think about it. Christ has apportioned grace to us. Some of us need more than others, and Christ has given each of us exactly what we need. Learning to receive His grace is the critical first step to dispensing kindness and generosity.

I’ve noticed in focusing on kindness this year that many people do not want to receive it. You offer to hold the door for them, and they won’t go through it. They insist to wait and do it on their own. Is that you? How might your capacity to receive need to grow so that your generosity can increase in abundance?

If we want to grow in generosity, we must learn to receive acts of kindness from others. We must put ourselves in a position of dependence on God to supply and see what happens. He works through people, and often the ones we least expect. We cannot give before first receiving, and everything we receive is thanks to grace.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15

‘Those who say “The more I see of men the better I like dogs” — those who find in animals a relief from the demands of human companionship — will be well advised to examine their real reasons.’

C.S. Lewis in The Four Loves (New York: HarperCollins, 1960) 69. Special thanks to Shawn Manley, my friend and the CFO/COO for Global Trust Partners, for alerting me to this quote.

Human companionship is a gift from God.

As I travel the world, see differences in societies, and then return home, I notice that almost everyone in the United States has a pet with whom they are closely connected and people from whom they are disconnected in relationships. Meanwhile the rest of the world tends to focus on human companionship. In most of those places, dogs don’t sit on laps; they wander the streets eating scraps.

What’s this post got to do with generosity?

That’s a fair question, but I think I have an answer. My point is not to get rid of your dog. We love our German Shorthair Pointer dog, Joy, who will likely greet me at the door when I get home tonight from Los Angeles with a stuffed animal (bird) in her mouth as a subtle hint that she wants to play or go pheasant hunting with me.

My point is to examine our relationships and the gift of human companionship rather than retreat to find relief from humans with an animal. We must not allow a dog to be our best friend. I am not saying that pets can’t give us emotional support. What I am saying (with Lewis), is to examine our relationships and to cultivate and cherish the generous gift of human companionship.

If you enjoy God’s gift of people and you have a dog, well, then consider yourself richly blessed. One of my greatest joys in life is my morning and evening walks with my wife, Jenni, and our dog, Joy, when I am home. We walk. We talk. We pray. We praise God for many blessings on the journey of life. And, we do this twice daily together with our dog.

I am in meetings today with dear brothers, Rob Foster, Rick Yohn, Chi-Chung Keung, and Travis Shelton. These are companions with whom I have traveled and ministered all over the world. What a gift to spend time with them. It requires sacrifice, but the gain far outweighs the investment. That’s how it works in God’s abundant economy.

Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, LORD. Psalm 23:6

“Kindness isn’t always giving people what they want, because what they want may bring harm to them. For example, you would cause great difficulty for your children if every time they wanted something you gave it to them. As children grow older it is absolutely necessary that they develop maturity, and with that comes the reality of having to work for a living and for the things they desire. If they never learn that truth, they will likely limp through life.

Kind people look for opportunities to show kindness. David wrote in Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” In the original language the words “follow me,” mean that God’s goodness, mercy, and love will pursue me and hunt me down all of my life. God, our Father, is constantly looking for ways to help us, to bless us, and to care for us. He is always ready to give us counsel. He is never too busy and loves to take time for us. His kindness is everlasting toward you and me. As God’s children we are to be like Him.”

Thomas E. Trask and Wayde I. Goodall in The Fruit of the Spirit: Becoming the Person God Wants You to Be (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2000) 91.

As we think of our generosity linked to kindness, this idea that God’s kindness follows us and that our kindness follows others is absolutely beautiful.

We get to pursue people, thinking of ways to bless them, not with everything they want, but with what they need. We do this because God has done it for us.

Father, show us someone to follow with kindness. By your Holy Spirit, empower us to extend it to them. Do this so we show your love I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

God’s kindness follows me through people like my friend and GTP board secretary, Randy Kung. We had a great meeting yesterday at Chino Valley Community Church (pictured above) in sunny California.

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love. 2 Corinthians 6:3-6

“Kindness goes beyond duty — it means doing something you don’t have to to, but just choose to do. Kindness goes beyond reward — it means doing something you won’t get paid to do. In fact, real kindness usually costs something and doesn’t expect any reward. You do what is kind for its own sake and for the sake of the other person. In that sense, kindness is its own reward.

In the Bible, kindness is often linked with generosity. In fact, the word Paul uses often had that sense: kindness could often mean generously providing for another person’s benefit. That’s biblical kindness…

We need to remember that kindness is a part of the fruit of the Spirit precisely because it doesn’t come naturally (even though it’s true that some people seem to be just more naturally kind than others). But the sort of kindness Paul is talking about is not “natural” but “spiritual,” in the sense that it comes from being filled with God’s Spirit. Such kindness is fruit (it grows because of the life of the Spirit within us), but it also has to be cultivated. It has to become a habit that builds into our character.”

Christopher J.H. Wright in Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Christlikeness (Downers Grove: IVP, 2017) 84.

Even as the Apostle Paul applied himself to navigate away from difficulties, he and those ministering with him devoted themselves to kindness and trusted the Holy Spirit to produce this fruit in them despite the circumstances.

What about you? Is God putting you through the crucible? Often stretching times are the times we fail to reflect kindness toward others. These are the times we must apply ourselves to kindness so that it’s part of our character all the time.

As kindness is often equated or coupled with generosity, this means that not just in good times of plenty, but in hard times, we aim at kindness and generosity so our lives serve as conduits of God’s love and blessing regardless of the circumstances. That’s biblical kindness!

I am flying to Los Angeles this morning for some meetings over the next two days. Pray with me that they are fruitful for both Global Trust Partners and Pioneers Hong Kong. Thank you.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

“Christ is yours, presented to you as a gift. After that it is necessary that you turn this into an example and deal with your neighbor in the very same way, be given to him also as a gift and example… This double kindness is the twofold aspect of Christ: gift and example.”

Martin Luther as cited by Kelly Kapic in God So Loved, He Gave: Entering the Movement of Divine Generosity (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010) 150.

Think about double kindness for a moment. It’s the posture of Jesus toward us and the pathway for our living toward others. Christ is gift and example to us. Our lives are a gift to others. We get to live, give, serve, and love like Jesus. And in so doing, we are an example to others of generosity.

Are you living as an “indescribable” gift? Are you setting an example that others would want to follow? Ponder these questions today. Start by thinking about the gift aspect. Then consider the example you are setting for your children, family, friends and/or co-workers.

Only when we understand the double kindness of Christ, can we extend it toward others. Receive the gift. Follow the example. This is the pathway to understanding and practicing Christian generosity. As you grasp double kindness, you realize it’s so awesome that it’s indescribable.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. Galatians 5:22-23

The Greek word for kindness is chrestos. Jack Hayford describes this portion of the Holy Spirit’s fruit as “goodness in action, sweetness in disposition, gentleness in dealing with others, benevolence, kindness, affability. The word describes the ability to act for the welfare of those taxing your patience. The Holy Spirit removes abrasive qualities from the character of one under His control.”

Jack Hayford as quoted by Thomas E. Trask in The Fruit of the Spirit: Becoming the Person God Wants You to Be (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000) 92.

Notice two aspects of Hayford’s definition of ‘kindness’, which will also unleash the fruit of generosity in us. They link to those who tax our patience and to our abrasive qualities toward others. In simple terms, God’s work goes both ways.

Firstly, this sentence shows the Spirit’s power at work through us: “The word describes the ability to act for the welfare of those taxing your patience.” Only the Spirit can empower us to serve and minister to those that push our proverbial buttons. When we do, it shows God at work in us and brings Him glory.

Secondly, this work in us is transformative: “The Holy Spirit removes abrasive qualities from the character of one under His control.” We must welcome the shaving and polishing that God wants to do to our character through the Spirit. Let us allow God to conform us into His image and likeness so people see Him in and through our lives.

Father, by your Spirit radiate kindness through us even when taxed by others and turn our abrasive spots into sweet spots so your generosity through us blesses others. In your mercy hear my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 3:3-6

“The love and grace of God are gifts which no man could ever earn; they can only be accepted in perfect trust and in awakened love. God offers His love to men simply out of the great goodness of His heart and the Christian thinks never of what he has earned but only of what God has given. The keynote of the Christian life must always be wondering and humble gratitude, never proud self-satisfaction… It’s due to His goodness. The word is chrēstotēs and it means benignity. It means that spirit which is so kind that it is always eager to give whatever gift may be necessary chrēstotēs is an all-embracing kindliness, which issues not only in a warm feeling but also in generous action at all times.”

William Barclay in The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, Revised Edition (DSBS; Philadelphia: Westminster, 1975) 261. Today marks a return to ‘kindness’ which is my word for 2019.

Those who exhibit kindness are “always eager to give” to others, whether they are deserving or not. This shows itself in “generous action at all times” and so it will look different compared to the world around us.

I learned yesterday that one of my Daily Meditations readers is battling with cancer: John Scott. Join me in praying a prayer for his healing. He also comes to mind today because of Barclays use of this interesting word: benignity.

Benignity is the opposite of malignity. To exhibit benignity is to be a person who is perpetually harmless (where as malignity is perpetually harmful, think: ‘malignant’ cancer). Consider the implications that God is perpetually harmless.

God does not harm us. He can’t because of His goodness. Moreover, He never ceases to lavish us with good things. If you are going through tough times, don’t lose heart. Call out to God who is “always eager to give.”

Father, you are perpetually good toward all you have made. Touch John and any others who suffer. Hear their cries for help. Answer in your kindness and mercy by Your Holy Spirit. Hear my prayer for them in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4

“In judging our progress as individuals, we tend to concentrate on external factors such as one’s social position, influence, and popularity, wealth, and standard of education…but internal factors may be even more crucial in assessing one’s development as a human being: humility, purity, generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve your fellow men.”

Nelson Mandela in a letter to Winnie Madikizela Mandela in 1977. Special thanks to Andrew Russell, a daily reader and my mate from Melbourne, Australia, for today’s quote.

Are you concentrating on internal or external factors?

I am building the GTP team and just spent a week working collaboratively with two colleagues. In a conversation with one of them just two days ago, I said, don’t worry about focusing on your performance, results, or outcomes. She looked at me quizzically, and then she realized where I was going with the comment.

I urged her to focus on attuning her heart to God so that He’d work on the internal factors in her life making her into a fruitful conduit of blessing. Only when we attune to God and submit to His work in our lives on the internal factors (our ‘inner self’), do we develop into the generous people God wants us to be.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

This is post #20 in a series of 20 posts in a book I just finished. It contains leadership insights from the most victorious team in sports history (winning percentage = 86% as of the writing of the book): The All Blacks, The New Zealand National Rugby Union Team.

I. Sweep the Sheds. Never be too big to do the small things that need to be done.

II. Go for the Gap. When you’re on top of your game, change your game.

III. Play with Purpose. Ask ‘Why?’

IV. Pass the Ball. Leaders create leaders.

V. Create a Learning Environment. Leaders are teachers.

VI. No Dickheads. Follow the spearhead.

VII. Embrace Expectations. Aim for the highest cloud.

VIII. Train to Win. Practice under pressure.

IX. Keep a Blue Head. Control your attention.

X. Know Thyself. Keep it real.

XI. Sacrifice. Find something you would die for and give your life to it.

XII. Invent a Language. Sing your world into existence.

XIII. Ritualize to Actualize. Create a culture.

XIV. Be a Good Ancestor. Plant trees you’ll never see.

XV. Write Your Legacy. This is your time.

James Kerr in Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business of Life (London: Constable, 2013) 184-185.

If you enjoyed the quotes from this book with me, feel free to share them from the Daily Meditations Archive with others. If not, then good news, today’s the last post. And if words in this list are unclear, buy the book and read it. It’s worth every penny.

I’ve returned from a fruitful trip to South America and am resting today. I plan to review this list again and will pick a few points that I will lean into to help my generosity go to another level. I’d encourage you to do the same. The All Blacks legacy is stellar. I want that to be said of your legacy. It will only happen if you aim high.

Followers of Jesus are a special people called to a higher purpose. To fulfill that purpose we must focus on being the people God wants us to be, knowing the things He wants us to know, and living with purpose and intentionality that may look crazy to the rest of the world, but will position us to leave a legacy that will impact generations.

Don’t aim to be an All Black. Aim to be a Great All Black that focuses on the First XV.

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. Acts 10:1-2

This is post #19 in a series of posts in a book I have just finished. This will be the second to last post from it. It contains leadership insights from the most victorious team in sports history (winning percentage = 86% as of the writing of the book): The All Blacks, The New Zealand National Rugby Union Team.

“When a player makes the All Blacks, they’re given a book. It’s a small black book, bound in fine leather, and beautiful to hold.

The first page shows a jersey — that of the 1905 Originals, the team that began this long whakapapa [legacy]. On the next page is another jersey, that of the 1924 Invincibles, and on the page after, another jersey, and another, and so on until the present day. It is a visual whakapapa, layered with meaning, a legacy to step into. The next few pages of this All Blacks handbook remind you of the principles, the heroes, the values, the standards, the code of honor, the ethos, the character of the team.

The rest of the pages are blank, waiting to be filled. It’s time to make your mark, they say. Your contribution. It’s time to leave a legacy. Your legacy. It’s your time.”

James Kerr in Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business of Life (London: Constable, 2013) 183.

What will your contribution be? Your legacy? Today’s Scripture reflects the legacy of a mighty Roman soldier. I love the irony. He’s not known for battles or victories but for the faith of his family, his giving, and his prayer life. Make that so of me too, Lord.

Such legacies are only possible if we write them. They don’t happened by accident, they are always informed by the past, they always require courage, and they never come without sacrifice. Take a few minutes on a blank page and write what you want your whakapapa to be. Now map the first step you will take toward it.

Generous contributions are not made on one day but over a lifetime. If you are the first generation to pursue generous living then write ‘Originals’ atop your paper. If you stand on the shoulders of others write ‘Invincibles’ for that is what you are. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.

If you have the lineage of the ‘Originals’ and the ‘Invincibles’ then put ‘All Blacks’ atop your page. But, as Richie McCaw, one of the greatest All-Blacks to ever play the game would say, don’t just try to be an ‘All Black’, be a G.A.B., a ‘Great All Black’. This is your time.