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 11/28/2008 10:01 AM
 
Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT)

We probably wouldn't think of this particular passage in the context of generosity. However, it encapsulates the concept while at the same time serving as the antithesis of our temporal practice. We are by nature, selfish. We do try to impress others. We are arrogant and are always critical of others and not normally interested in their well being. When we give we keep track, instead of not letting the left hand know what the right hand is doing seeking our kudos from the IRS in our deductions. We see in these words the qualifications for delivering the Gospel to a lost and dying world and the methodology for its funding. This cannot be accomplished in the power of the flesh but must be motivated by the Grace that comes from knowing Christ.

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?   (Philippians 2:1 NLT)
 
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 7/7/2010 9:56 PM
 

Tracking our good works can indeed cause us to swell up with pride. On the other hand it can humble some folks when they see that they have not forgiven seventy times seven or they have not measured up to the generosity of God. We need to beware of comparing our self against our view of what other people are doing. But I believe we can humbly and prayerfully track our giving in order to 1. Encourage ourself to increased giving and 2. Be more effective in providing limited resources to worthy causes. So I ask myself what do I do with that portion of the tax return that I get for claiming my deductions. Am I using it in a way that is pleasing to God? I pray that I will not give selfishly in order to think more highly of myself or to seek honor from men but that I will give generously and wisely in a way and in an attitude that is pleasing to Him.

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