You can have it all, Lord…

Generosity is a decision and a habit that’s not easily learned, and it’s quickly forgotten in times of need. I believe generosity (or the lack of it) is learned at a young age. Behaviors learned in our formative years are very difficult to change, especially the negative behaviors.

Have you ever learned bad habits from parents, family, or other authority figures? 

The Bible says, “The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished; He punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” (Numbers 14:18, NIV) Ouch! Four generations? In other words, family habits and sins can be transferred for over 160 years or more. Breaking old cycles and starting new ones will be an uphill climb, but “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (Matthew 19:26, NIV)

I believe the rich young ruler suffered from this syndrome: “When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.” (Luke 18:22-23, NIV) He obeyed all the rules and was sincerely living for God, but he had never learned the discipline of obedient giving. 

Our twelve grandchildren love to go to church with us. Several of the younger ones still sit on our laps, listen, eat, dance, and doodle on my iPad. We’ve tried to build a safe environment that still allows them to be children but remain in the presence of God. I decided to make church a positive experience for them, bringing candies, snacks, juices, and lots of cuddles and teaching them how to give to God and worship Him. When I look over and see them worshipping God between bites of a snack, it’s beautiful. Often I give them money to put in the “Lord’s offering.” They love to give. It reminds me of the verse, “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,” (2 Corinthians 9:10, NKJV).

The incredible truth about giving is that blessings come from God. He gives me the ability and favor to make money. In turn, I’m asked to give Him back a portion. My grandchildren didn’t earn that money, so they give it with glee. They are learning a powerful truth: it all comes from God, so be generous. 

Because you’re a miracle.