Ray is PCC’s Senior Pastor.

Friends,

Ok, so these thoughts aren’t so “random.” Last week while studying for my message about greed, I came across a diversity of giving styles modeled in Scripture. Since time on Sunday morning is limited, making it impossible for me to communicate essential amounts of information [ie. I can’t go on and on and on], I thought I’d share it via email.

David modeled leadership giving. When leaders give with sacrificial generosity, other people follow their example. Not only did David understand the importance of integrity [“I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burn offerings that cost me nothing”], but he asked and expected God’s people to sacrifice as well – and they did. [2 Samuel 24:24]

Solomon [David’s son] was an extravagant giver. Everything extraordinary in size and quality: 3000 Proverbs, 1005 songs, an incredible Temple and palace. When he gave, he didn’t hold back. The impact of his giving was readily obvious. Like father, like son. As parents, do we model generosity to our kids? [1 Kings]

The Magi were team givers, joining together to make a unique contribution. They gave with no expectation of return. They came, contributed and departed. There’s no evidence of expectation on how Mary and Joseph should use or apply the gifts. [Matthew 2:11]

Zacchaeus gave with an interesting blend of exuberance and precision. His life was radically changed by faith in Jesus; his attention to detail was not. He pledged to give half his money to the poor, leaving himself the balance. He vowed to repay those he cheated. His new generosity was strategic. [Luke 19:8]

The poor widow in the temple was a radical and impressive giver. She placed all she had in the offering to God and impressed Jesus. He pointed her out to his followers saying, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything–all she had to live on.” [Matthew 12:43-44]

Barnabas was a creative and encouraging giver. He is numbered among the first Christians in the Church to sell possessions [he sold property] in support of local ministry. It’s not reported that he sold everything he had – just that when the Church had needs, he made a personal sacrifice. No wonder the apostles called him Barnabas [his actual name was Joseph]. Barnabas means “Son of Encouragement.” [Acts 4:36]

God’s people have always been called to give. The response of godly men and women throughout the centuries is both unique in terms of style but similar in terms of generosity. There are other personal styles of giving illustrated in Scripture, but I’ll let you find them.

Ray

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. [Proverbs 11:25]