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Are You Generous?

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

We say that if we ever have a lot of money, we will become generous. Who are we kidding! Prosperity has little to do with generosity. The average personal income in the State of Mississippi is the second lowest in the United States, yet that State is ranked sixth in charitable giving. By contrast, New Hampshire is ranked sixth in average personal income, but guess where they rank in charitable giving - 45th! A big income does not mean you have a big heart! Henry Ward Beecher warned that prosperity could actually make us less likely to give: 'Watch, lest prosperity destroy generosity.' People in the United States live in the most prosperous country in the world – even though we as a nation are greatly in debt. Remember, since God is the creator and owner of all things – no matter what the economy is – God’s net worth and value never changes! If you desire to become a more generous person, do not wait for your income to change, change your heart! Find a reason to give every day. Look for a compelling cause or a worthy ministry. They are all around you. Listen: 'When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd' (Matthew 9:36). When it comes right down to it, the recipients of our generosity are never churches, causes or institutions. Ultimately, the recipients are people - people loved and valued by God; people for whom Christ died! So, what are you doing for others? How you answer that question is the measure of your generosity!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be an instrument of YOUR Mercy, YOUR Compassion, YOUR blessings to others in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen