Generosity Practice Week 3
All We Have Belongs to God
In the early pages of the Scriptures, there is a core claim is made about the universe, and alongside it is a mandate for humanity. Simply put: everything in the world belongs to God, and we are stewards of all he’s put in it.
The Christian’s identity as a steward underpins Jesus’ invitation to the generous life. In God’s world, we are not primarily savers or spenders, those who own or do not, but, in a radicalthird take, we are caretakers – entrusted to do good with our resources, all of which belong to God. It is an entirely different lens through which to see the figures in our accounts and the possessions under our roofs.
Below you will find steps to help you engage with this practice over the next four weeks, as well as resources for further exploration.
Ways to engage with the Generosity Practice
First and foremost, this practice (and all practices) are meant to be done in community. If you haven't yet, find a small group of people that are commited to walking through this practice together.
Download the Generosity Practice Guide. If you can, it is advised to print it out to reduce the distraction of our devices.
Gather with your group once a week to watch the Practicing the Way video found below. This will include questions for discussion, as well as a short teaching on that week's practice.
Step into each practice as much as you are able and feel comfortable to. This invitation is for everyone at all stages of life and faith.
Reflect on your experience of the practice using the reflection questions at the bottom of the guide and be prepared to share them the next time you gather with your group.
Recommended Reading
Giving Is the Good Life by Randy Alcorn (Chapters 9-12)
Rule of Life Podcast
Generosity Practice Guide
Download the practice guide here
Week 3 Practice - Begin listening to God about money and generosity
Find a quiet, distraction free place and put away your phone and devices.
Center yourself in God: take a few deep, slow breaths, ground yourself in the moment, and become aware of God’s presence all around you.
Invite the Holy Spirit to fill your mind and heart. Just quietly wait after each prompt for the Spirit to bring to your imagination any thoughts or feelings or desires he has for you.
God, is there anything about my current stewardship (giving, living, or saving) that you want me to change?
Do you want me to give differently?
Do you want me to live differently?
Do you want me to save differently?
If you sense the Spirit moving you to change your budget or give in a new way, move quickly to obey, and watch what happens in your heart and life.
Week 3 Reflection Questions
Before your next time together with the group for Week 4, take five minutes to journal out your answers to the following three questions about the practice:
Where did I feel resistance?
Which emotions did I expect to experience? Which was I surprised by?
In what ways did I encounter God in this exercise?
