What Happens When I Learn to Be Generous?

In Proverbs 10:22 I read, “When the LORD blesses you with riches, you have nothing to regret.” (CEV)

Imagine if a father took his son to McDonald’s and bought him a large order of french fries. And, as they were driving home, the father thought, “Man, those fries smell so good.” But, when he reached over to take just one french fry, his son pushed his hand away and said, “Dad, you can’t have one. These are my fries!”

As they continued to drive along, the man thought, “Wow. First of all, my child has forgotten that I am the source of all he’s got. I brought him to McDonald’s, ordered the fries, paid for them, and handed the fries to him. The only reason he has fries is because of me!

“And my child doesn’t realize I could take those fries away if I wanted to. I could just grab the whole box and eat them myself. Or I could buy my son a truckload of french fries!

“What’s more, I don’t need his fries. If I wanted some, I could have gotten my own. But I want him to learn to be unselfish.”

When it comes to God and my finances, do I find yourself being like the boy with his french fries? When I feel God prompting me to use my money in a certain way, do I want to push him away and keep my money for myself?

In the story, the dad wanted his son to understand three things that are the same lessons God wants me to learn about money. First, he wants me to know it’s not my money. I don’t really own anything; everything I think I own is on loan from God. Next, God could take my money away in an instant, or he could double it or triple it. And, lastly, what he wants most of all is for me to learn to not be selfish and be more like him.

What happens when I learn to be more generous with my money? I become less selfish and more like God, and then he will give me more because he can trust me. And it comes without shame, guilt, or regret.

“When the LORD blesses you with riches, you have nothing to regret” (Proverbs 10:22 CEV).

Learning to trust God with my money and becoming more like him in the way I use my money is a lifelong process. I can start making choices today that will move me toward this goal.

I won’t regret it!

In summary, when the Lord blesses me with riches, I’ll have nothing to regret. When I feel God prompting me to use my money in a certain way, do I want to push him away and keep my money for myself? God wants me to understand three lessons about money. First, he wants me to know it’s not mine. I don’t really own anything; everything I think I own is actually on loan from God. Next, God could take my money away in an instant, or he could double it or triple it. And, lastly, what he wants most of all is for me to learn to not be selfish and be more like him. What happens when I learn to be more generous with my money? I become less selfish and more like God, and then he will give me more because he can trust me. And it comes without shame, guilt, or regret. Learning to trust God with my money and becoming more like him in the way I use my money is a lifelong process. I can start making choices today that will move me toward this goal.

Even though I’m much better at being generous, I have to  admit there are times still when I hesitate about giving generously. I have made my life's mission to live with integrity, and be humble and generous, so that I can make a difference in the lives of others. I need to continue to be obedient with what God has provided me. God wants me to be more like him and to be an ambassador/example for others to see it lived out in my life. I do believe that God wants to bless me with what I have, for he knows that I will be generous to give to others. I pray this morning Father that I continue to live out a generous life, so that I can help those in need. This I pray in your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.