On the Freedom of Generosity
By Paul Taylor
In one of his most challenging statements, Jesus once told a wealthy young man to sell all his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. That instruction has generated a variety of responses among Jesus' followers. Some actually do what he suggested. Some feel guilty for not doing it (like the young man in the story). And some wrestle with his instruction as they seek to determine how to faithfully steward the possessions God has entrusted to them.
As we consider the topic of generosity, we will discover how this instruction can offer freedom and liberation instead of guilt and shame. Many of us are familiar with the feeling of being trapped by what we own. In a culture where we accumulate stuff, we can find ourselves confused by our desires. We lust for more even as we grow weary of what we have. How can we find freedom and joy?
When we think of generosity, we naturally focus on the destination of our giving. We give to meet needs. We give to help others. We give to solve problems in the world for which our resources could provide solutions. However, Jesus' statement to the young man offers a different perspective. He only mentions the destination of the man's funds in passing. He gives more attention to the effect of the generosity on the man himself.
In Matthew 19:16, he asks, "What good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Notice the focus on himself. He is not concerned with the world's needs, but with his own experience. Instead of correcting his self-focus, Jesus responds in kind. After a few comments back and forth regarding the rest of the law, Jesus concludes in verse 21 with, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Jesus' answer pertains more to the young man than to the poor. By undertaking this radical act of generosity, he can apparently "be perfect," "have treasure in heaven," and become a disciple of Jesus by following Him. Jesus keeps the focus on the young man, suggesting that his generosity will yield a significant benefit for himself. Jesus' promise emphasizes this man's current experience more than his future destination. Even the man's question about "eternal life" likely refers more to the quality of life than its quantity. He poses the question many of us ask: "What can I do to have the kind of life I want?"
Generosity is Jesus' answer. For this man, giving away his possessions solves the problem of his heart and leads him into the experience of life he most desires. Could the same be true for us? Could generosity first address the issues of our hearts before it begins to meet the world's needs?
My wife and I have five children. We watched the last of them leave our home just under a year ago. Seemingly overnight, our home transitioned from energetic chaos to quiet calm. Our children are making their way in the world as we stand on the porch to watch them depart. The advice from those who have gone before us is remarkably consistent: "Let them go. You can't hold onto them." We are finding that to be true. By letting them go, our relationship with them grows and deepens.
What if the same thing were true of our possessions? Could giving away the resources that God has entrusted to us actually enhance our relationship with money? Could we become more grateful, more appreciative, and experience greater freedom through the simple act of generosity?
Jesus' words suggest that this is the case. Take a moment to reflect on something you own: a car, a house, an article of clothing, a gadget, or a toy. Do you feel trapped? Do you feel owned by your possessions? Could letting go lead you to freedom?
Jesus invites us to embrace a radical life of generosity and freedom. Sharing our resources can address the world's needs, but first, it can liberate us from the desires of our hearts. Discover that freedom. Open your hands, let go of your resources, and follow Christ into generosity.
Paul Taylor is the Co-Founder of Faith, Work & Tech. Paul has been a Teaching Pastor at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto since 2007 and will transition to becoming the Director of Unify with Transforming the Bay with Christ (TBC). He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Faith, Work, Economics and Vocation.
