It is said that the Hills received just under $140 million as a lump sum payment after taxes, but they have not let the money go to their heads. Walt Stubbs, a friend and former high school classmate has told Reuters: "They are very conservative people. They are doing some really nice things for the community and they've taken care of their family." The Hills have also decided to let their hometown benefit from their good fortune; they have been donating substantial amounts of money to civic projects in Camden Point, Missouri.
It is said that the jackpot winners will pay for a new Camden Point fire station and ball field to help significantly change the face of the town. The Hills have already donated more than $50,000 to purchase land for a new sewage treatment plant that will eventually allow residents to give up individual septic tanks, Mayor Kevin Boydston said, according to Reuters.
The mayor said, "I've said all along that these lottery winnings could not have gone to a better couple. They are giving back to the community, just like they said they would." "I'm real proud of them," said Shirley Hill, Mark Hill's mother. "They have stayed grounded. That's their nature." -Christian Post, February 24, 2013, Anne Thomas
Today, we will look at one of the spiritual marks of a Christian. It is the mark of generosity. This is not limited to what we do with money! What we do with money is a reflection of our generosity. But as we shall see, generosity goes far beyond finances.
Generosity is the act of doing more than is expected of you. Can it be said of you that you are generous? If we only do the minimum, or if we only do that which we are expected to do, then we do not exhibit the characteristic of generosity.
In order to clarify this point, I have included some biblical examples of generosity for you. Beginning with the Apostle Paul, did you know that...before he was saved, he was a strict Pharisee caring for no one but himself? After he met Jesus, his heart was opened to all men. He ministered to all classes; it didn't matter. He was at home whether in the marketplace, or in the majestic palace of the king.
In one city the people rejected him and the message he preached to the point that they stoned him and left him for dead (Acts 14:19). But he went back to those people and ministered to them. Paul said that he was "...made all things to all men..." (1 Corinthians 9:22 ) You see, Paul went beyond what was expected of him and displayed a generous attitude of service to others.
Another great example was the Good Samaritan. We are all familiar with the story told by our Lord. Here is a Jew who had been attacked and left wounded along the roadside. The religionists of the day observed him in his condition and saw no need to go out of their way to help him. But a Samaritan (they were known for their hatred of the Jews and in return the Jews hated them) came by and ministered to the needs of this hurting man. He put aside any cultural differences and in a spirit of generosity took care of this man. He certainly went beyond what was expected of him, wouldn't you say?
Of course, Jesus, is our greatest example. There was no prejudice in Him. He looked with love upon Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, bond or free alike. He saw their needs and responded to them. A sinful woman cried out for help, others would have stoned her, but Jesus forgave her and set her free. Throughout His ministry we see Him giving of Himself time and time again. He gave His time, His life, His love, and His blood.
Now we have seen several biblical examples of generosity, and hopefully get the general idea. But to whom are WE to be generous? How about starting with our friends and loved ones. Let's face it, sometimes we are most ungenerous to the ones we love the most. The Bible tells us that the man who will not provide for his own is worse than an infidel (c.f. 1 Timothy 5:8). Have you ever known a person that would do anything for someone else, but wouldn't take the time to do anything for his family? If anyone needs to see a generous spirit in us it is those we love the most!
This one is going to be difficult for most of us to do, but let's be generous to our enemies. I know it is hard to be generous to those who have hurt us. But when we learn to quickly forgive those who wrong us, we are manifesting the spirit of Christ’s generosity (Note: Matthew 5:44-45). A very cruel slave owner had just finished giving his Christian slave a terrible beating and in anger said, "What can your Jesus do for you now?" The slave, battered and bleeding, answered, "Master, He can give me the grace to forgive you!" That is the spirit of Christ’s generosity. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:34).
We certainly could go on and on with this topic, but I would like to save the rest for another day. Right now, however, I would like to ask you some questions in relation to what we have discussed: How do we respond to others? Do we go out of our way to reach them with the gospel, for example? Why should we be generous? Where would we be if God chose to remove His generous hand from us for just one second.
Let me close this message by asking, "Which do you want to be?" Alive and vibrant blessing many people? Or dead and literally good for nothing? The difference has to do with the spirit of generosity. When others look at our lives what do they see? They need to see Jesus! The world needs to see His reflection in our lives.
Scripture: Proverbs 21:13; 2 Corinthians 9:6; Isaiah 32:8; Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Psalm 37:26; Ephesians 3:20; Psalm 119:36; 1 John 2:6
Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous; teach me to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to seek reward, except that of knowing that I do your will. Amen. -St. Ignatius Loyola
-special thanks to Dr. Robert McKenzie
Have a blessed day!
Arianna
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