Those who live a lifestyle of generosity are open-hearted and empathetic with those whose world is difficult and they enjoy trying to make it better. They are consciously engaged in their world and the lives of those around them, poised to show generosity to anyone whenever the opportunity presents itself. When it is within their power to respond, they relish the privilege to make a difference and bless the life of another—friend or stranger. They live out the extreme attitude, “What is mine is yours and you can have it.” Are you living a lifestyle of generosity?

The Church is at its core a sacrificial and transformational community. The reason many people do not experience this is because of how related these two realities are. It is in sacrificing within the community that we are transformed within the community. We will not reap the transformational reality of the Church from the outskirts. It is only as we become sacrificing members that we are brought into the transformation of the Church. Likewise, the Church is not wholly transformed until its members engage in sacrificial worship. These realities go hand in hand. We all need to be further emerged in the Gospel and into the reality of the Kingdom of God and we all need each other in order to be further emerged.

 

What social group is conforming you to its image? Are there aspects of you that are off limits to being given over to God? Are you willing to open yourself, your experience, reality, and talents to the Church as an aspect of your worship? Are you engaged with the Church enough to be transformed by it?

Generous living begins with us; we do what we can do. Take any of the activities of faithful discipleship—stewardship giving, sharing your time and talents, teaching in Sunday school, perhaps volunteering to serve the poor, or possibly serving in a ministry of the church—faithfulness lives not in genius or great skill but in doing what you can do. In the mystery of faith, we who are engaged in doing what we can do, discover Christ’s divine presence and blessing.

Are you living your life the way God wants you to live? It's only when we walk daily in relationship with God that we're able to do what's right and love others. As we spend time getting to know God, he changes us. So, it is critical to keep our eyes on God, to center our living on God, to make God the focal point of all things in our lives. When our priority is living a life that pleases God—acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with him—we are blessed.

Created for Community

Why is the church here? What is God’s purpose and hope for this body of believers who trust Jesus as Savior and Lord? As we begin this new year, this is an opportune time to lift our mission and ministry and to diligently seek God’s will for us, starting with a focus on the church’s current health and vitality. Vision is a powerful, driving force and for God’s people to be effective, we must have a clear understanding of his vision for us.

Why is the church here? What is God’s purpose and hope for this body of believers who trust Jesus as Savior and Lord? As we begin this new year, this is an opportune time to lift our mission and ministry and to diligently seek God’s will for us, starting with a focus on the church’s current health and vitality. Vision is a powerful, driving force and for God’s people to be effective, we must have a clear understanding of his vision for us.