January 17th, 2015

4 Giving Views Contrasted

I recently attended The Stewardship Summit in Orlando, Florida. This was a gathering of a number of those i would consider on the forefront of the Stewardship movement in the US. My wife and I were extremely privileged to attend, and to listen and share with these men and women who are walking the talk of being obedient stewards.

Among the presenters was Brian Kluth. He shared the distinction between 4 views of generosity/giving/stewardship. His table contrasting these four is below.

RESERVOIRS

As I sat and listened, what began occurring to me is that most of us live somewhere in the 3 columns on the left. When I say - "us" - I am referring to believers and followers of Jesus Christ - mostly in the West - mostly evangelical - mostly walking in fellowship - mostly who know at least some of the Bible - mostly who attend Church etc. etc.

However, as I looked at my own life - and of those I know - it began to come clear that the 3 columns to the left are about building and managing reservoirs - albeit. "Christian Reservoirs'.  What do I mean?  

A Reservoir is where I store all of the things I have earned, and the gifts I have received - even from God. I store them because I might need them later, or so that I can control the giving that occurs. The bigger the better. Because, the more I have, the more I can give. The more I can be a benefactor; contribute to worthy causes; give back; feel blessed; be appreciated and proud of the good I have done; achieve results; and have an impact. 

But is there a difference between just a reservoir for someone who is not a Christian and one who is? How often have I thought or said - "Oh yes, that is true for them, but I am not that way".  Really? Mark, you better take a closer look. Brian's table has helped me 'see it'.  

A Christian's Reservoir:  

• Is one that is motivated toward good. The giving (or release from the reservoir) is for things of the Church and the Kingdom of God. 
• Is giving that gets results;
• Is giving that meets a need; 
• Is giving that comes out of duty; 
• Is giving that at times is drudgery;
• Is giving that benefits both the recipient and the giver (IRS); 
• Is giving that brings earthly rewards. 

And though some would argue that it 'is all good', the one thing that still makes it a Reservoir and not a River? 

The control of the Giving is mine!  

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RIVERS

But look at the 4th column - Transformational Giving. I would suggest that this is a River. It is based on three essential truths from God's word:

• God has provided all our resources. Everything comes from God.
  
• God has given us the responsibility to manage these resources as stewards. He is the owner, we are the steward of the owners resources.
• God will ultimately hold us accountable for how we steward His resources.

Furthermore, there are the 11 points to ponder in the Transformational Giving column:

1. Grace Based: It is underserved and is a gift from God.
2. Bible Focused: The word of God commands it.
3. Faith Transformation: Our lives have been transformed. 'Crucified with Christ' - He is the Lord.
4. Given to Give: Everything we have comes from God. As someone has said. "Most everything we have been given has someone else's name on it.
5. Son/Steward/Sower: Whose we are/ Our assignment / How we are to carry out that assignment.
6. Give out of Obedience: Simple - Hear and Obey.
7. Faith Motivation: Not for fortune, fame, or fear, but trusting the one who has redeemed us.
8. Open Hands: You can't hold onto anything if your hands are open - particularly palms down.
9. Eternal Rewards: Laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven.
10. God is my Provider: My jehovah jireh.
11. Giving is a Delight: The result of my obedient stewardship is - a Delight and a Blessing.

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RIVERS NOT RESERVOIRS
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Jonesboro, Georgia 30236
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BLOG:    www.hisrivers.org
EMAIL:  his.rivers@gmail.com

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