This past Sunday we considered how important it is at times to loosen our grip on things we tend to hold tightly to. This is especially true when it comes to our material blessings. Many of us have a tendency to hold tightly to our money and possessions. However, if we are to have the “life that is really life”, we will need to loosen our grip on them. We saw last week that those of us who have more than our basic needs covered and “then some” are instructed not to place our hopes in the uncertainty of riches. We are encouraged instead to not only to place our hope in God but also to “do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). People whose lives are centered around Jesus look for ways to infuse goodness throughout their day. They do so to such a degree that they are rich in good works. They are also generous. The word “generous” in Greek is a combination of three Greek words, didomi, meta, and eu. They are translated “to give”, “with”, and “a good attitude”. So, to be generous is to give with a good attitude. A person who gives a lot but does so with resentment or begrudgingly is not by that definition “generous”. We are exhorted to give with a joyful, hope filled attitude. Paul also tells us in 1 Timothy 6:18 that we are to be “willing to share”. This is a translation of the word koinonikos, which means “fellowship”. The thought is that we are encouraged to find tangible expressions of care for others.
One great example of doing good, being rich in good works, being generous, and willing to share is seen in the story of a Kenyan woman named Emmaculate. She was barely surviving, doing the best she could. She was living in a structure she built with her own two hands for herself and her two sons Nicholas and Gedion. But, it was a difficult life to say the least. Emmaculate prayed and prayed for help. Her church family prayed for her. Finally, a ministry partner of our church called the Bio Intensive Training Center selected Emmaculate as a candidate for a new home. This summer, while our team was in Kenya, we had the opportunity to put the final touches on Emmaculate’s new home and to participate in the dedication service for it.
Her new home cost $3000. It was paid for by you – Lakewood Methodist Church. You have lived out Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy 6. You have sought to do good. You have been rich in good works. You have been generous and willing to share. You have not held tightly to your blessings. You have used your blessings to bless others. The big question for us is this, “who else might God be calling us to bless?” Thank you for your generosity. It is making a Kingdom difference.
The Home She Had Before
The Home We Helped Build
