Practicing Generosity

If you would like to follow along with us, for the next few weeks we will be reading the book "Practicing Extravagant Generosity" by Robert Schnase. We began the series this past Sunday, but each week will stand alone, so join us for one or all.

Some of the discussion this first week centered around the definition of the terms and understanding how the phrase extravagant generosity relates to stewardship and giving. Merriam Webster online defines the words individually in this way:

Extravagant=exceeding the limits of reason or necessity
Generosity=marked by abundance or ample proportions

Most of the discussion really focused in on the differences between the terms stewardship and generosity. In both cases, though, the consensus was that we don't really talk about giving.

I confess I had trouble getting into that discussion. My mind wandered off, as it often does, and i got stuck wondering why we don't talk about giving? I believe part of the reason is that our tradition has been one of stewardship. Stewardship is concrete, mechanical, observable, measurable... objective. Any objective can be impartially measured. Either you are or you are not giving. Either you are or you are not tithing. Black and white, cut and dried, measured and judged.

Ouch. Who wants to talk about something when the likelihood is that either you or others will judge you a failure? Even if the only other person who knows you aren't tithing is the financial secretary, well, the two of you know you are a failure. Right? Scripture tells us to tithe. It's measurable, laid out as the first ten percent.

One of the things I value most about being a Methodist is the emphasis on a personal relationship with God. Our beliefs force you to figure out what faith and discipleship mean for you. There is a quote that has been attributed to John Wesley that, for me, summarizes Methodism: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity." If we are in firm agreement and unison on the essentials, there is room for personal interpretation on the non-essentials. And there must be charity in determining what is essential and what is non-essential.

So, here is my non-essential. Scripture also tells us that we give not because the church needs the money (although it has been my experience that there was a lot of that in scripture, too), but because of what it says about our relationship with God. I always remember the widow who gave her last coin, the parable of the servants and the talents, the disciples leaving behind not just their possessions, but their families too, the prodigal son. These are about a strong faith and spirit of generosity to which I only aspire. These are about extravagant generosity. And it is a topic I think is easier to discuss, too. There really is room to be proportional, to consider what and why you give instead of being locked in to the success-failure measures.

Before I close this week, I want to be very clear that these are the ramblings and interpretations of one person. I know only enough to know that I don't know enough. The best I can do is articulate questions and offer personal observations and thoughts. I can't quote scripture, I can't recite the United Methodist theology, but I know what I believe and hope you will engage with me in conversation that will enrich and deepen all of our understanding. My hope is that by practicing together we can find a spirit of generosity that will enhance and reflect our personal relationship with God and that we will be comfortable discussing with others.