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Reorder your life toward obedient generosity

The typical American in 2021 is one of the wealthiest individuals the world has ever seen – in fact, the United States is the richest country in the world. And yet, when we ask ourselves “How much is enough?” more often than not the answer is, “I don’t know. But it’s a little bit more than what I have.” 

I don’t point out our fortunate circumstances to impose guilt, but to encourage us to see the opportunity we’ve been handed! In this abundant life that God has given us to steward, let’s flip the script on that answer to say “Lord, this is more than enough. And as you bring more to us, we aren’t just going to grow our lifestyle. We are going to be obedient to your call for us to give (Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38) by being even more generous.” 

Organizing our lives for generosity and obedience
There will always be challenges or barriers to generosity. Yet they are easier to overcome when our life is structured toward obedience. As day eight covers in our 10 days of biblical generosity devotional, motives matter more than money. Our giving is a measure of our hearts, which God sees clearly. Obedient generosity is worship and a way to honor God. A few ways we can reorganize our lives toward obedience and generosity are:

  1. Setting a financial finish line
  2. Taking inventory of how we spend our time and money
  3. Deciding your legacy as a family
  4. Committing to a goal 

It’s no mistake that God has placed you exactly where you are. Planning for obedient generosity is an act of living in faith of abundance rather than fear of scarcity.

Set a financial finish line
One way to combat the temptation of materialism is to adopt the concept of a “financial finish line” – a cap on your income or lifestyle at a predetermined point. Setting that finish line helps us be even more generous when opportunities present themselves. If you don’t plan ahead and an opportunity comes to be radically generous, it’s harder to execute. Planning prepares us naturally and spiritually – our budget allows for giving and our heart has time to align with what we believe God is asking us to do, thus equipping us to obey. Obedience with faith behind it is what really produces for those who believe in Christ.

Inventory your spending 
Take a deep dive of your life and ask yourself if the things you’re accumulating, using, and doing are the things you really need. Ask God to reveal where you aren’t considering the highest  and best use of your financial resources. Allow yourself to explore beyond writing checks by creating space in your schedule for volunteering, sharing your talents, or getting to know your neighbors. Is your giving going to things that Jesus speaks of, like widows, orphans, and the marginalized? (Matthew 25:35-40, James 1:27) If not, it’s time to reorganize. 

Consider your legacy of generosity
Mark and Sharon Taylor made a decision early on in their marriage. They wanted to build a generous family instead of bigger barns. Like the Taylors, discuss as a family how you want to prioritize your LIFE (Labor, Influence, Finances, Expertise). On your last days, when you think about your choices, will your family legacy be marked by Gospel-motivated generosity and obedience? 

Commit to a goal
In 2009, the only reason I swam, cycled, and ran day after day (after day!) was because I signed myself up for the Ironman triathlon. Similarly, if we go about life without an ambition or a goal, it’s challenging to be sacrificial in our decisions. A young NCF giver family I joyfully work with has committed, with another couple, to be responsible for translating the Bible for a specific people group. Their significant commitment to work with Wycliffe to complete an entire language of the Bible is going to inform their spending, drive their business decisions, and help them prioritize their time. 

Oftentimes when we hear the word obedience, it’s tied to restricting our lifestyle. And while that may (and sometimes must) be part of it, it also requires being proactive. A significant first step is to read our 10 biblical principles to illuminate how God can use generosity in your life. Next,  open a Giving Fund or, if you have one already, consider non-cash giving or other creative ways to make the most of all God has given you. 

Our God is a God of abundance and generosity. When we organize our lives with this in mind, true generosity flows. When your family is ready to take the next step in generosity and obedience, let’s have a conversation

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