Why is Generosity a Discipleship Issue?

DESCRIPTION

In this episode, Chris Rivers and Scott Mozingo discuss the concept of generosity as it relates to discipleship. They explore what the Bible says about money and the bigger picture of how God is using the resources in our lives to drive our devotion to him.

  • There are several questions we need to ask ourselves when talking about the concept of generosity:
    • What does the Bible teach us about stewardship, money, and generosity, and what role does it play in discipleship and spiritual formation?
    • Does our view of money align with Scripture?
  • As believers, we have the tendency to bring too much of the culture’s view of money into our spiritual lives. We play spiritual “cut and paste” with what the Bible says about money and, in doing so, we have lost the greater narrative. We are well intentioned, but we are not well positioned.
  • In order to become spiritually mature disciples in this area, we must ask ourselves, “do I care about the same things God cares about?” In the realm of stewardship, this looks like using our resources to evangelize, disciple, and care for the poor. It looks like enjoying what God has given us through the lens of contentment. It looks like having real gratitude and trusting him to provide.
  • God has distinct purposes for money in our lives. These include kingdom building, guarding against sin and the desires of the flesh (greed, envy, pride, coveting, discontentment, and jealousy), and imitating Christ. When we model the gracious and generous character of God, we become more like him.
  • How do we live a life marked by generosity as the Bible outlines it?
    • Spend time in Scripture and read what God says about money.
    • Challenge your assumptions. Ask yourself, where did I get my beliefs about money, lifestyle, saving, giving, retirement—the culture? My family? Or God’s Word?
    • Utilize the Giving Guide to determine where you fall on the giving spectrum (consuming, casual, reluctant, intentional, or courageous), and allow this to drive you towards accountability and life change.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

  • Where do most of my ideas about money, generosity, and stewardship come from? Does my view of money align more closely with Scripture, or is it more closely tied to the culture?
  • Is there evidence in my life that I care about the things God cares about? In what ways am I using my resources to evangelize, disciple, and care for the poor? How do I display an attitude of contentment and gratitude for what I have been given?
  • Based on the Giving Guide spectrum, what type of giver would I classify myself as (consuming, casual, reluctant, intentional, or courageous)? What is one practical step I can take to move towards growth in this area?

RESOURCES

SCRIPTURES

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. Phil 2:6-7a

Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Mark 4: 7-8

A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, “What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops. Then he said, “I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” But God said to him, “You fool!” You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for? Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12: 16-21

If you have questions about this episode or you have an idea for a future episode, please visit the podcast page and click on "ask Scott."