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- Luke 12:33
Kingdom people are radically generous people.
In Luke CH. 12, Jesus gives us a picture of what Kingdom people look like, and Jesus is clear—
Kingdom people are radically generous.
When Jesus tells us to "sell our possessions, and give to the needy," He is trampling on the Old Testament standard of the tithe.
The tithe is simple; things come in, and you give 10%.
As your income comes in, give 10%. When the crop comes in, give 10%. You receive 20 coins, give 2 away. Not radical, simple.
In Luke 12:33, Jesus commands something more, something radical.
Jesus isn't talking about income; He is talking about assets; He is talking about your life!
Jesus tells us to take the things we own, the things we enjoy, the things we value, and be radically generous.
With one phrase, Jesus blows past the simple practice of the tithe, and He commands radical generosity.
So why aren't more of us radically generous?
Jesus tells us, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (vs. 32).
Jesus introduces radical generosity by telling us to "not be afraid."
The opposite of generosity is not greed—the opposite is fear.
People do not practice radical generosity because they are afraid. Afraid of not having enough. Fearful of having less than my neighbor.
Fear, not greed, is what keeps us from being generous.
Yet Jesus is telling us, "drop your small ambitions and trust me." "Fear not," He says, "you are Kingdom people with a King's inheritance."
Your prayer today, "Jesus, help me be more generous."
Press on,
Pastor Chris
Paper Sunday is blessed to collaborate with Chris Harper on today's devotional!
Chris Harper is a speaker, writer, and disciple-maker. Chris is President of 252Edu, a consulting firm based in Dallas, Texas. Chris serves schools, churches, and non-profits by helping them "grow in wisdom, favor and stature with God and man.”
When not taking ground for King Jesus, you can find Chris on the basketball court playing a pick-up game. Chris is a sneakerhead, an avid reader, and loves a good cheeseburger. You can follow him @252consulting on Instagram.
1 comment
Jass
I understand the message being encouraged but I strongly disagree with the what is said about Jesus “trampling” on the old testament standard of the tithes. I believe that in the New Testament in the scripture provided and throughout the emphasis is “going deeper”. Jesus is teaching us a new expanded perspective. Serving Him goes beyond our tithes (which let’s not forget is also used by churches to help invest into Gods Kingdom in ways we may not be able to do..reach or because we are limited for whatever reason). He is teaching us to go Deeper into our relationship and understanding of Christ, living His example and knowing who we are. Yes..we are to be “generous” but the root and deeper message Jesus is teaching of generosity I believe is the demonstration of thoughtfulness, compassion, sacrifice, intentions, love, trust, stewardship to name a few. Those are fruits that fuel our generosity through and with and in Him. It is not for us to feel or think that if we do not GIVE material things then we are in sin or disobedience or we are living in fear. God searches our hearts…yes if there is a need then we help whether it monetary or a tangible object of necessity but we can also give of ourselves..our time….partnering with someone in prayer…sponsoring someone…taking someone or a family under our wing….buying groceries for a stranger on the market line or your neighbor…etc. Ask the lord to show you how you can “give” and He will place it on your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the will to do so. Also…the opposite of generosity is not fear, but fear can be a component of it as well as selfishness, control, distrust, bitterness, even vengeance etc. There are always roots to the choices we make and why we do what we do and how and why we react. God search our hearts to bring revelation and help us serve and give according to your character and love and example.
I understand the message being encouraged but I strongly disagree with the what is said about Jesus “trampling” on the old testament standard of the tithes. I believe that in the New Testament in the scripture provided and throughout the emphasis is “going deeper”. Jesus is teaching us a new expanded perspective. Serving Him goes beyond our tithes (which let’s not forget is also used by churches to help invest into Gods Kingdom in ways we may not be able to do..reach or because we are limited for whatever reason). He is teaching us to go Deeper into our relationship and understanding of Christ, living His example and knowing who we are. Yes..we are to be “generous” but the root and deeper message Jesus is teaching of generosity I believe is the demonstration of thoughtfulness, compassion, sacrifice, intentions, love, trust, stewardship to name a few. Those are fruits that fuel our generosity through and with and in Him. It is not for us to feel or think that if we do not GIVE material things then we are in sin or disobedience or we are living in fear. God searches our hearts…yes if there is a need then we help whether it monetary or a tangible object of necessity but we can also give of ourselves..our time….partnering with someone in prayer…sponsoring someone…taking someone or a family under our wing….buying groceries for a stranger on the market line or your neighbor…etc. Ask the lord to show you how you can “give” and He will place it on your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the will to do so. Also…the opposite of generosity is not fear, but fear can be a component of it as well as selfishness, control, distrust, bitterness, even vengeance etc. There are always roots to the choices we make and why we do what we do and how and why we react. God search our hearts to bring revelation and help us serve and give according to your character and love and example.