Summer Allen: Lyrics

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16

“In another study, when compared with people who had listened to music with neutral (not particularly prosocial or antisocial) lyrics, people who had listened to music with prosocial lyrics picked up more pencils for an experimenter who pretended to accidentally spill them, were more likely to agree to do further unpaid experiments and spent more time doing them, and gave more money away… Further analysis found that this effect was due to increased interpersonal empathy in the people who had listened to the prosocial lyrics.

Another field experiment suggests that this induction of empathy via music with prosocial lyrics could have real-world effects. In this experiment, while 768 French restaurant customers ate lunch or dinner, they were exposed to either music with prosocial lyrics, neutral lyrics, or the regular music played by the restaurant. Restaurant patrons who had listened to the prosocial music were significantly more likely to leave a tip—and their tips were significantly greater than the other patrons’ tips.”

Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.

Boarding a flight for Frankfurt, Germany this afternoon en route to Istanbul, Turkey. I will attend a World Evangelical Alliance conference there. I’ll share more about this event in a few days. For now, I appreciate your prayers for safe travel and peace and protection for my wife whilst I am away.

When the message of Christ dwells in us richly and when we teach and strengthen each other with songs, we grow in gratitude and generosity.

Today’s research shows that “prosocial lyrics have a similar effect. It makes me think of the upcoming Christmas season when cheerful music plays in stores and restaurants.

Undoubtedly, this aims to inspire people to buy gifts for people in their lives to show love with generosity. This stirs me to ponder the lyrics of songs more closely.

For example, a tear of gratitude always forms in the corner of my eye when I sing this part of the song O Holy Night, “He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger.”

I feel the deepest level of empathy in this line. And the lyrics move deeper than prosocial “peace on earth” but a deep feeling that Christ knows my “need” and “weakness.”

What lyrics do you hear in the music you like to play? How might it be encouraging or limiting your generosity? Consider how lyrics might shape your generosity from here.

Enjoy the lyrics to O Holy Night (originally in French by Placide Cappeau) as a bonus today.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20

“Music’s effect on generosity has been less studied than television’s, despite the fact that Americans spend an average of 24 hours listening to music each week. However, the research that has been done suggests that two aspects of music—its ability to elicit emotions and its lyrical content—may influence generous behavior in listeners.

Several studies have shown that people are more likely to help others when in a positive mood, and music may be a good way to make people feel happier and thus more generous. This connection was borne out in a field experiment conducted on 646 users of a university gym who were exposed to either uplifting (up-tempo, British top-20 recent singles) or annoying (avant-garde computer music) songs and later asked either to sign a petition in support of a charity (a low-demand task) or to distribute leaflets for the charity (a higher-demand task).

While almost all subjects from both groups agreed to sign the petition, significantly more of the subjects from the uplifting music group than the annoying music group agreed to help distribute leaflets, suggesting that music that lifts your spirits may also make you more generous.”

Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.

Who knew?! Listening to music can uplift your spirits and also make you more generous. It makes sense, biblically speaking. Repeatedly, the Scriptures call us to sing and give thanks. Perhaps music provides the context for cultivating gratitude.

For my part, I don’t listen to much music. But when I do, I like to listen to Handel’s Messiah, which celebrates the prophecies, the passion, and the promise of Messiah. Perhaps this explains why I desire to give myself to Kingdom work each day.

What music do you listen to? How might it encourage or dampen your generosity? Think about this and maybe turn on, turn off, turn up, or turn down the music as God leads.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

“A different study found that mothers of first graders who frequently watched prosocial sitcoms reported that their children exhibited prosocial behavior—such as showing empathy for troubled people, helping others in need, and sharing—more often than children who viewed prosocial sitcoms less frequently.

A meta-analysis of 34 studies—and 5,473 children—found that for children who watched prosocial content in an experimental setting (like a lab), there was a moderate positive effect on their behavior: They interacted with others more positively and cooperatively, were less likely to stereotype, were less aggressive, and were more altruistic.”

Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.

Our biblical role as parents, grandparents, and great grandparents, is to point children in the way they should go. If we do this, we can have confidence that God will help them stay on track.

And the research shows that if they watch prosocial media it can have a “moderate positive effect” on them. Notice what this means as we think about our role in their growth.

How we live is the biggest influence on them. From there, things like positive videos can help, but we must not trust outside source to grow them. That’s our role and supporting tools as shown by the research.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

“A different study found that children spent more time on a helping task after watching an episode of Lassie that featured helping than did children who watched a different Lassie episode or an episode of the Brady Bunch. Another study found that watching either Sesame Street or Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood significantly increased the prosocial behavior of preschoolers after one week of watching the program.

A study of older children—8 to 10 year olds—found that those who had been randomly assigned to watch shows with violent, aggressive content gave fewer tokens to charity than did those who had watched either a neutral or prosocial show; there was also a negative relationship between the number of hours of television the children typically watched per week and how much they donated to the charity, suggesting that television, regardless of content, may also have a dampening effect on generosity.”

Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.

It seems that TV, regardless of the content, can have a dampening effect on generosity. It makes sense. TV often promotes the values of the world, some of which are “prosocial” and others which are more “self-centered.”

So, the more TV our children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren watch, the more it will dampen their desire to serve as conduits of material and spiritual blessings. That said, how will you use this information?

I suggest today’s Scripture offers the answer. We must guard our hearts, and the hearts of our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, lest the influence of the world having a dampening effect on expressing their faith through generosity.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

“Most people spend a significant portion of their day engaged with some form of entertainment media, whether it be listening to music, watching TV and movies, or playing video games. Research has found that these media influence various aspects of behavior, and while several studies have shown negative effects of this influence—such as the finding that exposure to violent media increases feelings of aggression—a number of other studies have focused on how exposure to different media can actually lead to increased prosocial behavior.

When it comes to the relationship between media content and behavior, by far the most researched form of entertainment is television. In the 1970s and 80s there were a slew of studies focused on how television programs influence the behavior of children, in particular. A study of preschoolers found that watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood increased prosocial interpersonal behavior—such as cooperating, helping, sharing—for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, whereas the same effect was not seen among children from wealthier families.”

Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.

I praise God for safe travel and fruitful ministry. That airplane took me home.

Let me know if you want a copy of the Jamaica trip report. I won’t have the Cayman Islands one for a few days as John Roomes is still ministering there. Keep him in your prayers.

If you are a parent, grandparent, or a great grandparent, check this out. The TV that the children in our care watch can have a positive impact on them. But there’s something bigger that impacts them.

Socioeconomic status relates at least partly to our decisions. I realize that none of us control our status at birth. Some are born into wealth and others into poverty.

But the decisions we make from there can shape the trajectory of our lives. Again, some cultures have more opportunity for upward or downward mobility than others, but regardless, our behavior impacts our station to some extent.

That said, if children grow up in wealth, it entrenches entitlement in them. Think about that. Today’s research shows prosocial TV can influence the poor toward generosity but not the wealthy. So, what factors can? Ponder some more with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus had the riches of heaven and made Himself nothing. If you have any measure of wealth beyond meeting your basic needs, here’s my advice.

Make yourself nothing. In so doing, you won’t end up empty, but rather, enriched. And your children will follow your lead. Your example is stronger than TV for shaping your kids.

And maybe encourage them to watch shows that will encourage prosocial behavior. Picture your children, grandchildren, and/or great grandchildren right now.

Decide what kind of TV you want them to watch and, along with that, determine the example you want to set understanding the implications.

You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him. Acts 10:37-38

“A recent study found that wealthier individuals were more willing to give, and donated more money to a charity, when the appeals from that charity emphasized personal agency and the pursuit of individual goals, such as by saying things like… “Sometimes, one person needs to come forward and take individual action. This is one of those times. Take individual action. Donate today.”

Less wealthy individuals, on the other hand, were more likely to give in response to appeals that highlighted communion and the pursuit of shared goals, such as “Let’s save a life together” or “Sometimes, one community needs to come forward and support a common goal. This is one of those times. Join your community. Donate today.“

This suggests that encouraging generosity across the socioeconomic spectrum may be more successful if the messages take into consideration the kinds of appeals that resonate with more versus less wealthy individuals.”

Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.

John and I spoke to a group of 30 youth on Stewardship and Generosity yesterday. I loved the theme at the church on the wall: one 2 ten. It means each one will try to share the gospel in a year with ten people.

It fit perfectly with our remarks to use your Gifts and Goods to make known the Gospel. See the header photo of the inside of the church in Grand Cayman above.

Then in my study, I read today’s Scripture which described Jesus as going “around doing good” and it had impact on people because “God was with Him.” The same can be true of us, but only if we act.

Will we use our gifts and deploy our goods to make known the gospel or will we stay on the sofa with our money in the bank. Seriously, where do you fit in this picture?

Then I read this research. It inspired me to give a shout to readers to act individually and collectively. To step forward, like Jesus, and do good. Take action with what you have.

Use your wealth to shape the future of your community or give to GTP and impact a country. We estimate the cost at about $10,000. Or combine your gift with the gifts of others. Both ways can make an impact.

So whether you have a lot or a little, go around doing good. If you have a lot, lead the way. If you have a little, give in community with others. And know that God will be with you, but only if you take action.

GTP enters Liberia today and I have learned of opportunities in Nepal and Pakistan. Will we pursue them? Not yet. We are praying for the funds. Step up. Give today. Reply and I can tell you what is needed.

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

“Wealth is often associated with power. A study comprising five laboratory experiments found that when people were put in situations where they felt powerful, they spent more money on themselves than on others. The converse was also true: When participants felt powerless, they spent more money on others. This result occurred despite the fact that both people made to feel more powerful and those made to feel more powerless felt happier when they gave to others.

In their discussion, the researchers offered an interesting theory connecting these findings: Poor and/or less powerful people might be more willing to accept their life circumstances if they believe that wealthier and/or more powerful people are less happy, and this could drive them to spend a higher proportion of their incomes on others. The result would be a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts, as increased giving likely would lead poorer people to be happier than stingier wealthy people.”

Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.

If we start today by reading the words of the Apostle Paul to the rich, it must be noted that he employs the strongest possible language.

The rich are commanded to enjoy and share God’s material blessings in order to take hold of life.

Then when we move to the research we see why. Holding on to wealth leads us to feel powerful which results in stinginess instead of sharing.

Again, the research demonstrates that Paul (echoing Jesus) is not try to rob us, but rather, help us.

The only way to grasp the life God designed for us here on earth is to enjoy and share the spiritual and material blessings from God.

I praise the LORD that this message is resonating with the groups I am engaging in Cayman Islands.

Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.” 2 Corinthians 8:13-15

“A recent study found that higher income people were only less generous under real or perceived conditions of high economic inequality. In this study, higher income people from states with high inequality were less generous in a lab experiment than lower income people, but the opposite was seen in people from states with low inequality. Another part of this study found that people did not need to actually have lived in a state with high inequality to experience this effect; when higher income people were told they lived in a state with high income inequality, they gave less, even when the inequality was a fabrication. The researchers posit that this effect might be because inequality leads people to feel a greater sense of entitlement and deservingness that can lead to stinginess.”

Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.

I have arrived safely in Cayman Islands (pictured above). It was gorgeous when I landed. The cruise ship in the blue water below provides a glimpse into the dynamics that impact generosity in this cultural setting.

Locals regularly interact with wealthy tourists (think: inequality). As a result, they are suspect of many outsiders. John informed me that coming here was important to build relationships.

And I find it interesting how the research links to the situation where God has me. Let me explain. Because national workers often lack training needed for roles (think: inequality), if foreigners come in they can only stay a maximum of 9 years and then they need to leave.

This policy exists for many reasons. One relates to the fact that a feeling of inequality exists. This timeframe gives locals an opportunity to learn missing skills and not depend on outsiders long-term. Sadly, the inequality fosters “entitlement and deservingness that can lead to stinginess.” Inequality stifles generosity.

Notice that Paul focuses on equality. In echoing the account of collecting manna, everything was shared so everyone had enough. Now neither Paul nor I am calling for forced sharing, like communism or socialism, or saying that a person cannot take a vacation to a tropic island.

But I am saying that God’s people must value people over possessions by choosing aiming at generosity that brings equality. Our giving should help build up local workers with an aim at equality to dispel the inequality mindset, otherwise “entitlement and deservingness that can lead to stinginess” will overtake the setting.

Let us remember, Jesus set aside the riches of heaven and made Himself nothing so that we could have a share in life everlasting! Pray for fruitful meetings today in Cayman Islands with some of the most influential Christian workers in the country. Thanks.

Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 16:17

“In terms of charitable monetary giving, many studies have shown that wealthier people give more money in absolute terms than non-wealthy people do, although some evidence suggests that individual giving among the wealthy is highly variable: Some people are exceptionally generous, elevating the overall average level of generosity.

When it comes to whether poorer or wealthier people are more likely to give to charity, the story becomes murkier. Some studies have found that the probability of giving does not vary by income level, while others find that people with higher incomes are more likely to donate.

Similar research discrepancies exist when it comes to who gives more to charity as a proportion of their income, with several studies reporting a U-shaped curve, meaning the very poorest and very wealthiest give the most as a proportion of their income; other studies have found that the poorest households gave the most as a proportion of their income, to both religious and secular causes.”

Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.

While Scriptures like today’s text encourage proportionate giving (as we are blessed, we get to bless others) the giving numbers don’t always reflect this trend. Studies seem to show that the wealthy and the poor, by percentage, give the most, while people in the middle give a lower percentage of their total.

Rather than point fingers, let’s each aim to enjoy and share God’s material and spiritual blessings in proportion to His provision to us.

There’s a town in Jamaica called “Constant Spring” named after a spring that flows abundantly. I did not get to see or visit it, but the name sticks with me. We give proportionately, because we serve a God who supplies as an constant spring.

I never recommend reckless giving or sharing that fosters dependency. But I have learned that the Scriptures invitation to give proportionately gives life, brings joy, and blesses others richly.

God worked beyond imagination in Jamaica. A working group from our big event (pictured above) has formed to activate a peer accountability group (like ECFA in USA). Stay tuned for more when we finish the trip report. Early this morning we fly from Jamaica to Cayman Islands.

Appreciate your prayers for favor there too. And we’ve only received a few gifts in response to our request for support of this trip. Please give proportionately to GTP here.

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:42

“While communication between potential donors and recipients may be one way to increase generosity, that doesn’t mean people like it: One study found that people will often go out of their way to avoid being asked. Another study found that a charity doorknob flyer that informed people of when a future solicitation was to take place reduced the number of people who answered their doors by 9 to 25 percent and, if the flyer allowed people to check a Do Not Disturb box, it decreased giving by 28 to 42 percent.

Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.

This topic is serious. The 42 percent who say “do not disturb” reveal something that is downright disturbing to me about the condition of the hearts of these people.

When they had a debt of sin that they could not repay they asked God for help. But when someone needs a small amount, they not only don’t want to help they don’t want to be bothered.

There’s a parable about this called the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:21-35. Merciless people reveal they neither understand forgiveness nor who owns them and the money they possess.

The reason this topic is so disturbing is the measure we extend to others will be extended to us. I quiver a the eternal implications. If we are merciless to others, should we anticipate mercy from God.

Next time someone asks you for money, be merciful. Give something in gratitude for all you received from Christ. To support GTP efforts to empower workers in Jamaica and Cayman Islands, click here.