Developing a Generous Mindset
Devotional
READ: John 6:1-13
When reading these verses, the focus is often on the miracle performed by Jesus, demonstrating His supernatural power and ability to meet people's physical needs. The boy's generosity in offering five loaves of bread and two fish is commonly overlooked. It is hard to imagine what it would have been like being the boy and watching a small portion of food turn into enough to feed over 5,000 people, with a significant amount left over. That would have been an incredible sight. It would be amazing to see God use what I have to bless others and have the mindset to freely give what I perceive is mine. Fortunately, this isn't an experience that only happens in the Bible. God can also use us to bless others when we develop a lifestyle of generosity.
How can I live a life of generosity that impacts God's kingdom? It first starts with having a generous mindset. An essential step to orient your perspective around giving is to understand that everything we have comes from God. David exemplified this understanding perfectly when he said, "But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from You, and from Your hand, we have given to You." (1 Chronicles 29:14) David understood that everything we have is God's. When we are generous with it, we merely give it back to the One who gave it to us. This concept of stewardship has been very freeing to me as I live a life of generosity.
Another critical step to developing a generous mindset is to be a cheerful giver. Paul reminds us when we give, to do it "not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). This can be difficult, as giving of our time, money, work, and resources often requires a sacrifice of the things we cherish most. David's mindset of generosity was demonstrated as a cheerful giver when he gave a large portion of his wealth to constructing God's temple. The key here is that he gave willingly and with a joyful heart. "Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord wholeheartedly, and King David also rejoiced greatly." (1 Chronicles 29:9)
Finally, a critical step to developing a generous mindset is to understand that anything you give should not be used to exemplify yourself but to shine the focus on God. Jesus said, "But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your charitable giving will be in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:3-4). It's hard to not want the spotlight for what we give to others. But when we remember that what we offer is not ours, it's easier to remember that the praise should go to the true owner of our blessings, God.
When reading these verses, the focus is often on the miracle performed by Jesus, demonstrating His supernatural power and ability to meet people's physical needs. The boy's generosity in offering five loaves of bread and two fish is commonly overlooked. It is hard to imagine what it would have been like being the boy and watching a small portion of food turn into enough to feed over 5,000 people, with a significant amount left over. That would have been an incredible sight. It would be amazing to see God use what I have to bless others and have the mindset to freely give what I perceive is mine. Fortunately, this isn't an experience that only happens in the Bible. God can also use us to bless others when we develop a lifestyle of generosity.
How can I live a life of generosity that impacts God's kingdom? It first starts with having a generous mindset. An essential step to orient your perspective around giving is to understand that everything we have comes from God. David exemplified this understanding perfectly when he said, "But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from You, and from Your hand, we have given to You." (1 Chronicles 29:14) David understood that everything we have is God's. When we are generous with it, we merely give it back to the One who gave it to us. This concept of stewardship has been very freeing to me as I live a life of generosity.
Another critical step to developing a generous mindset is to be a cheerful giver. Paul reminds us when we give, to do it "not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). This can be difficult, as giving of our time, money, work, and resources often requires a sacrifice of the things we cherish most. David's mindset of generosity was demonstrated as a cheerful giver when he gave a large portion of his wealth to constructing God's temple. The key here is that he gave willingly and with a joyful heart. "Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord wholeheartedly, and King David also rejoiced greatly." (1 Chronicles 29:9)
Finally, a critical step to developing a generous mindset is to understand that anything you give should not be used to exemplify yourself but to shine the focus on God. Jesus said, "But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your charitable giving will be in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:3-4). It's hard to not want the spotlight for what we give to others. But when we remember that what we offer is not ours, it's easier to remember that the praise should go to the true owner of our blessings, God.
Personal Reflection
Are you currently living a life of generosity with the understanding that everything is God's? Is giving a painful thing for you? Why? Are some things easier to give than others (time, money, labor, etc.)? In the current anti-Christian culture of self-centeredness, do you find it difficult to give God praise for your generosity? How so?
Posted in UR Devotionals
1 Comment
Thank you for this Devotional, it has been a wonderful and enrichment experience for me and my wife. today's bible passage is one I particularly cherish.
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nFor those Spanish speakers I recommend you check the following chant, you can look it up on YouTube as Jesed Aqui hay un Muchacho.
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nBest regards and may God bless you all!