The world tells us that money will give you security. In reality, generosity has the same effect.
We tend toward fear when our savings are running low, the economy is down, or any number of other things result. When that happens, our instinct is to gather resources instead of scatter. Brad Hewitt, CEO of Thrivent Financial, says generosity, not stinginess, will bring us the sense of comfort we seek.
“The fruit of generosity is in contrast to what the world would tell you the fruit is.”
When we step out in faith, there are four key fruits that result. Brad explores them in his book, .
Confidence.
Brad has a reality check for those who operate out of a mindset of fear when it comes to money.
“There’s no amount of money that’s going to provide security from the things that are going to happen in life.”
When we realize this and choose instead to be generous, we start to trust God more and that builds our confidence.
Community.
“What we really want is to be connected. And interestingly enough, if you add money to equation. Oftentimes what it does is it ruins community, it ruins connections.”
Having a healthy relationship with money ensures that you can stay connected to the people you care about most.
Contentment.
“Generosity does it builds a sense of contentment.”
When we see how God can use our resources to answer the prayers of another, we realize God can use other people’s resources to meet our own needs.
Calling.
“How many people make their decisions about what they’re going to do, how they’re going to serve, what their vocation is, based on how much money it makes?”
Pursuing work based purely on financial gain sets us up for compromise and fear. Rather than seeking abundance, we’re seeking wealth.
Ask yourself – how does my calling and my resources fit together?
Am I doing what God has wired me to do? This type of introspection and reflection can lead to joy, steps of faith, and a renewed passion for sharing God’s resources with others.
“As we start to be generous, and we start to see God as abundant, as we pick our calling and where we have passion, it turns out you actually usually are more successful anyway.”
Key Scriptures: Proverbs 11:24
Featured Songs: Same Power by Jeremy Camp; Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin; Freedom Song by Meredith Andrews
