GenerosityRemix - A Starting Place for Lasting Change

Who would have ever imagined that in an age of such amazing technological advancement and overall prosperity, that:

• More people are enslaved today, ~ 27,000,000, than at any time in history [and the number is growing]
• More than 25,000 children died today due to preventable causes
• More than 1,200,000,000 people today live without clean water and sanitation
• 90% of the 30,000 deaths that occur each week are children under the age of 5, and the result of unsafe water and lack of hygiene
• Roughly 12.3% of US population, or nearly 40,000,000 people live in poverty
• There are 153,000,000 million orphans around the globe today
   

In the book of James, we are reminded that true religion includes care for widows and orphans.  Paul’s New Testament letters clearly connect good works with faith.

 In his series “Anchors,” Louie Giglio puts it this way; the only acceptable, appropriate response to being the recipient of the radical grace of Christ, is extravagant worship.

How do we worship extravagantly?  Certainly by being present, engaged, and involved in our local church.

 Giving generously and serving others with sincerity of heart, reflecting the example of Jesus, is also a vital part of our worship.

It’s impossible to give the New Testament an honest read without realizing that early Christians viewed the opportunity to lay aside their personal preferences in order to serve others, as the norm, not the exception.

 In Acts 2:42-47, the first church sold their possessions and goods to meet the needs of others.  As they did, they enjoyed the favor others.  In response, the Lord added to their number daily, those people coming to faith.

Ray Johnston describes the activity in that chapter with this simple equation…Good Deeds leads to Good Will, which leads to a greater openness to the Good News.

Good Deeds –> Good Will –>  Good News

The catalyst for the growth of the church, the spiritual development of new Christians, and the addressing of today's pressing needs in the world?

 Radical generosity!

What will it take?  A "remix" of our thinking and behavior when it comes to generosity.  

Remix is simply another way of expressing that as followers of Jesus, our thinking, attitude, choices must be constantly growing toward conformity to God's Word when it comes to generosity.  

As followers of Jesus, we were all created by a loving God with the unique wiring, gifts, and talents necessary to live on mission with Him, making a difference in the world for the cause of Christ.

A commitment to remix our thinking toward living generously, subordinating the desires of this world to His grand, redemptive plan, is the key!