DO YOU THINK YOU ARE A GENEROUS PERSON?
DO YOU FIND IT EASY TO GIVE AWAY AND HARDER TO RECEIVE?
DO YOU FIND YOURSELF SEEKING TO GET MORE THAN TO GIVE MORE?
Okay, so I have just now given away my sermon thought for Sunday.
QUESTION: KNOWING. THIS. HOW. MANY. OF. YOU. WOULD. HONESTLY. STAY. AWAY?
Notice the blackened word. 
HONESTLY. If you knew the pastor was preaching about giving generosity this Sunday, how many of you would decide it was a good day to watch your grass grow; or to look for moles as they moved; or to watch Mr. Smiley on the tube (that would be enough to get me to church)? Come on now! Even those of you who are pastors…be honest. You know…I’m not sure there is any more unpopular topic on the face of the planet a preacher could preach about than money. I don’t mind preaching about money; I just avoid it! 
Well… not quite but it isn’t on the Top 10 List of “Subjects I like to preach about.”
I reckon the question is “Why?” Why are we so stinking scared to preach or talk about money? I have heard all the arguments. I have heard all the “I go to church and all I hear about is money” to last me for a lifetime. “Aahh yeah. If you came more than once a year you would hear other things preached about.” Okay, so I am being a little a tad bit cynical. I really tire of hearing that same lame excuse all the time. Truth is: one of the signs of a growing Christ-follower is generosity. We stop hoarding. We stop thinking everything is ours. We stop living for ourselves and what we can amass.
I would appreciate your prayers for me this weekend as I talk about one of the Signs of a Growing Christ-follower is They Exhibit Generosity. Let me ask you to take a look at those first three questions at the very beginning and tell me how you would answer them. How do you feel hearing/preaching about money? It will be interesting to hear your “take” on it.
I actually like it when my pastor… well, we don’t have a pastor at the moment, but you get the idea… preaches about money (as long as it is done correctly). That’s probably because I’m the church secretary/treasurer, so I see the bank account everyday. Also because I agree with being generous.
I didn’t always feel that way though. My ex-husband was always way more generous that I was. He would give money to anyone and everyone and I resented it because I was more worried about the house payment. (I’m a realist) Now I think there is a balance, somewhere between giving away your mortgage payment and being a complete scrooge like I was.
I think being the needy one for awhile and having to rely on other people’s generosity has helped me to become more of a giver. I realize what a blessing it was to me (although it was hard for me to accept) and I want to be in a place where I can bless others.
Sounds like you have ulterior motive when it comes to preaching about money Jenn.
I would imagine my treasurer feels the same way. it sounds to me like you are growing personally as you have gone from a scrooge to one who is willing to consider the needs of others. Nothing wrong with that. and I do agree that having to rely on others does help us become more of a giver. Thanks for coming by.
When it comes to preaching on money, it entirely depends on the preacher and the church and how they handle money. If it’s a church that’s building huge buildings, gives the pastor an exorbitant salary and does little to help the community, then their sermons fall on deaf ears. If the pastor lives what he preaches, then I have no issues with it.
Can’t disagree with you on that Jason. Money needs to be distributed wisely. Could be why I am against huge church buildings and exorbitant salaries (although I wonder what that is like).
I do think a life backing up what is spoken is necessary. Hard to preach on sacrifice when the pastor has all the latest toys. Thanks for your thoughts.
Generosity:
A touchy topic here on giving money in a church. Has always been and will continue past our time.
People do not realize any business has to make a profit in order to continue serving their customers.
You cannot put out x amount of money to operate and only take in minus x amount of money and survive. Eventually the business or church will fold and become insolvent.
Ths principle also applies to church operation in the same equation.
However, in current economic times, money is scarce, many are facing loss of jobs, have unexpected high emergency health expenses pop up, or just can’t manage their finances due to reduced income over prior income.
Then there is the political climate appearing unstable thus throwing more fears into the equation.
Yes people do get tired of hearing prods to give more money to the church but the expenses of running a church is not paid by money appearing out of no where. It comes directly from the congregation. It doesn’t matter how much you give but the thought of being generous with what you can give is the point.
The congregation should have enough love for the Body of Christ that they will give what they can in order for the church to meet it’s operational expenses and serve the community here in our own country.
1. Yes to a point when it is given with love. Other wise, I am a tight wad.
2. I find it easier to give away in order to help others. other wise, I am a tight wad.
3.No. I have more that I really need. I look to help others with in my financial means. Otherwise, I am a tight wad.
Very well-thought and stated comment Larry. I do believe you state it well that x amount is needed, but there are factors to consider. The church needs to be just as accountable as any business or home when it comes to money. Thanks.
I almost feel like I have to explain to any visitor who is there how little I actually preach about money. I don’t want them to think that money is all I preach about. Silly–but true.
Been there done that Matt. I am actually going to state that I am preaching on money and it will solidify their thoughts (said jokingly of course). Thanks for coming by.
I will answer the questions, honestly.
1. No, I don’t think I’m a generous person.
2. I find it easy to receive and harder to give away.
3. Yes I do.
It’s selfishness. Wanting everything for myself. I fight with it everyday. I pray to God to change me and I know he’s working on me.
I just prayed for you and the church community.
Have a blessed weekend!
Keep praying and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your heart Mercy. He will change this in you if you give Him a chance. Thanks for your prayers. They are appreciated.
1. I could give more…
Especially when you know that the person will love what you’ve giving 
I like to watch people when they open presents… It’s the greatest fun ever. (And I can’t wait for Sunday – found a perfect gift for a friend of mine…)
2. Depends on who I am giving to… I don’t know whether it’s easier to give than to receive, but giving sure is more fun
3. I guess a balance is great, but like I said, I could give more and giving is more fun
On a random note – while it’s amazing to give, I guess we need to learn to accept too… Hmm… I guess that’s related to the Q2… It is harder to receive than to give.
Thanks for your honesty Zee. I like #2 thought and would love to be there to see the face of your friend. That is so cool that you would do little things. In my mind I agree with your last thought also. It is harder to receive that give. Awkward is how I feel most times.
Hummmmm, are you trying to step on toes? Ha! That’s how I feel when I hear a teaching/sermon about money!
Then I intentionally take down the defense and tune in…I bet God’s word for your sheep will be wonderfully received on Sunday my friend. Really, during times such as these in our country, who could have issue w/ a spirit of generosity?
Prayers for open hearts this week…
I stomp on mine first Robin.
Thanks so much for your prayers. I do believe that generosity is often the way out of the difficulty we find ourselves in. Thanks for commenting.
Praying for your weekend.
I have not preached a whole message on money but I have had many messages where I preached a main point on the issue. I am not sure why but it is not something I have felt led to preach on yet plus I go verse by verse through the Bible so soon we will have many messages on it when I do a gospel because Jesus talked a lot about money.
3 questions:
1. Not a much as I should be
2. Harder to receive
3. I have been recently been seeking to give more.
Yep, you will get there. Jesus speaks too much about money not to come across it. Thanks for your prayers Jim. You know you have mine and I am also excited to see #3.
This stings a bit…not because I mind preaching on money but because I think it reveals how non-generous I am. I would like to be a generous person in time, gifts, talents and money…but in reality I am not. Preach on brother. If it stings it’s only because it fits..Praying now for inspiration from those who hear you and a call to action! Holy Spirit be at work in the giving and receiving of Your Word!
Before it goes to them it must go through me. That is something I deal with all the time Tom. I pray God allows His Word to do “its” thing in me. Thanks for your prayers and prayer. Your heart is appreciated.
Why is it that when we see the word “Generosity” that the first thing we think about is “The church is trying to take my money”? Maybe that thought says something about where our heart is? There’s so much more to generosity than that.
Also, the church seems to be the only non-profit that is sensitive about talking about money. Go to any school function and they ask for money. Kid’s sports are always looking for money. Go to a symphony, play or ballet and they ask for money (after charging you $50 for a ticket). Maybe the church needs to be less sensitive about the money thing.
I am praying for you on Sunday.
You make a very good point Jim. Why do we cringe when every other organization asks for money. When we do we are seen as greedy. Thanks for the visit and your prayers.
Hi Bill,
How do I feel about preaching being done about money? If I am tithing my gross 10% of my monthly income I have no difficulties with it. My conscience is clear. Tithing is the only area where God says to test Him. I believe that tithing is an act of obedience in the Christian’s life.
Money is a difficult topic because it can become our idol god. We start serving money instead of God. Money replaces faith and without faith we cannot please God.
The focus of our world is on money. The focus of a Christian should not be on money. When push comes to shove, money will fail, God will not. Who or what are we as Christians going to side with? If we choose money, where do we stand with God? These are the tough choices to be made by believers.
1. Yes. I think that I am a generous person.
2. Yes, for some things. Other times I have cried to God for someone who can help me. I believe that he answered that prayer by giving me help Himself.
3. No. I don’t think so. I don’t have desires for the latest toys. This has gotten better for me over the last couple of years. In my life I’m starting to look at housing, food, and clothes rather than the luxuries.
I think you are right Linda in that money has become an idol. Unfortunately, it is true for the world and many Christ-followers as well. Thanks for a thoughtful comment.
Hi Bill,
I will pray for your challenge about money preached to the people this Sunday.
Thanks.
I used to be worried about preaching about money, but then you look at Jesus’ ministry and see He talked a lot about it and the reason is simple–it’s a big part of our everyday lives. To ignore talking about it and showing God’s purposes for it in preaching is denying the elephant in the room. And the excuses are going to be there either way. The only ones we can influence for good are the ones whose hearts are open in the first place. Bill, blessings on your weekend in Jesus’ name!
You are right about Jesus and talking about money. He spent a good deal of time talking about it. I like your reasoning. Thanks for the comment and the blessings Jason.
I think the modern church doesn’t speak in proportion to the amount of times Jesus spoke about money. In general, no one wants to hear the truth. The truth hurts.
All of us are prone to take the blessings and provisions of God and slowly turn them into idols. We begin to worship the provision instead of the Provider.
It’s my opinion based upon my own life that the senses of our flesh blind us to the reality and truth of material things. What starts out as something we wish to own, ends up owning us. If we are controlled by anything other than God himself, we need to hear the truth.
I’m praying for you. May God bless you for your obedience, for doing the hard thing. May He move among you and your flock and may all of you bring Him honor.
First, thanks for visiting! You are right that the church does not speak about it nearly close to the amount of time Jesus did. Your third paragraph just states it plain and simple. Thanks Floyd for the visit and the prayers. Hope you will come back.
I have always been a generous person person. I have always freely given my time and energy to the church. My wife and I also love to bless people with financial gifts, when we are able. I think this is a topic that should be brought up more in church. Being generous with your money and time, for the benefit of the church and it’s people.
it is good to hear of your generosity Dan. With Ashley’s pregnancy issues, you may now be the recipient of acts of generosity yourself. How is she doing?
I have no fear about preaching about money. (well, I am not a preacher as many as you are). I think that we all do in some way or another, and with the economy the way it is….
I just don’t like the idea that “the church needs more money.”
I had to stop going to a particular church I used to like because while they were good on the preaching ministry, they seemed to be focused on how much money the church has made, or on how much they need to make…the early church sure didn’t make such bold proclaimations!
I hope I don’t ever get to that place Ed. Everything in me cringes when I think about having to say, “The church needs money.” Sure it needs money, but when we have to beg for it I am not sure that is the way to go. Thanks for your input.