(More of) Eric’s Inspiration for Radical Generosity
My pastor often says that we should live in such a way that it demands an explanation.
As the book of Matthew ends, Jesus leaves us with marching orders (The Great Commission) to go therefore and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:18-20). Theologians say that this can be better translated, “As you are going, make disciples…”
What is the difference?
“Go make disciples” makes me think about going on a trip that has a return date. Short term focuses that allow me to go back to my normal way of life.
“As you are going” demands constant action and constant focus.
This is no sprint. To live a life of constant action for the sake of the gospel requires radical life changes and radical generosity. It’s a life that demands an explanation. With this in mind, I’ve created several shareable lists of resources that can guide others on their journey. If you’re looking for new inspiration to answer God’s call to give, check out my top 7 (and a half) resources to inspire radical generosity, stories to inspire radical generosity and podcasts to inspire radical generosity.
Here are five more resources to inspire radical generosity.
1. The Treasure Principle, written by Randy Alcorn
If you haven’t read The Treasure Principle yet, you have to! It’s the seminal work as it relates to Jesus’ desire for us to store up treasures for ourselves beyond here on earth. Instead, He urges us to store our treasure in heaven, where they will await us, and last forever. NCF Rock Mountains has copies of this book to share with you if you’re interested. Just let us know!
2. The Law of Rewards, written by Randy Alcorn
“This is the law of rewards: While our faith determines our final destination, our behavior determines our eternal rewards.” That’s the guiding principle of The Law of Rewards. I like how Alcorn breaks down that giving blesses three parties: God, the recipient, and us. As I thumb through my very highlighted copy, I’m reminded that it’s filled with great one-liners and motivators about God’s desire for our giving. Overall, The Law of Rewards is an encouraging lesson in how the way we live and give today determines the way we’ll be rewarded in heaven— for eternity.
3. Something Needs to Change, written by David Platt
Where do our words change into action? In a world filled with talking, both from our fingertips and our mouths, it’s a question that we all need to prayerfully wrestle with. In his book, Something Needs to Change: A Call To Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need, Pastor David Platt takes us on a soul-searching journey through impoverished villages in the Himalayan mountains. While willing to move his whole family to Nepal to radically go himself, Platt felt God’s clear call to radically send and mobilize people to make a difference in a world of urgent need. An especially poignant quote that stuck with me is when David says, “I felt like I was talking about ministry in the midst of urgent spiritual and physical need […] more than I was doing ministry in the midst of such needs. And I decided that needed to change.” I encourage you to follow David on his trek as you prayerfully consider how God can use you in the coming year.
4. Don’t Waste Your Life, written by John Piper
My wife Jacqie read Don’t Waste Your Life before we got married because she knew how important it was to me. I believe that so many of us truly don’t want to waste our life, but we miss it. It’s often easier to live life to a lesser amount than what God has called us to. In Don’t Waste Your Life, Piper writes that to live without the passion to joyfully display God’s supreme excellence in all the spheres of life is a tragedy. A wasted life is a life focused on ourselves, thinking the “here and now” is the greatest thing. This book helps me focus on how God made us to live with radical passion for His glory.
5. Tramp for the Lord, written by Corrie ten Boom
Tramp for the Lord is Corrie ten Boom’s sequel to her bestselling book, The Hiding Place. After her release from the concentration camp, she set out to become what she calls a “tramp for the Lord,” traveling around the world at the direction of God, proclaiming His message everywhere. In this book, Corrie shares stories of men and women she’s touched during her years of ministry, and how they’ve taught and touched her in return. The most moving story to me is that of a woman she met in Russia during the Cold War when Christians were being persecuted. The index finger of her right hand was all she could control. Her body was so twisted by multiple sclerosis that the Russian secret police didn’t bother checking on her. Each day, with a single gnarled finger, the woman pecked away at a typewriter. She translated the Bible and other Christian books into her Russian language completely undetected. Where others deemed her useless, she used her weakness to glorify God in a powerful way. How’s that for radical?
For Christians, we joyfully serve the God who radically saved us. To sacrifice His only Son – who was perfect – to reconcile His greatest enemy is the greatest example of radical generosity. With two sons myself, I simply cannot imagine making this decision. And so, as I think about God sending Christ to die on the cross to not only draw us into salvation, but to make us joint heirs with Christ, it propels me to desire a life of radical generosity.