“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasures for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” –1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
What are the benefits of your work? For most, the primary benefit is the monetary compensation or salary. But the fringe benefits also have value.
Defined as, “an extra benefit supplementing an employee’s salary,” a fringe benefit package might include: health insurance, life insurance, discounted meals or services, a company car, or many other compensations.
In his book, The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn discusses four benefits of living a generous life.
A Good Relationship with Our Heavenly Father –Paul told the Corinthian believers, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Of course, God loves us all but when we are generous, we align ourselves with God (John 3:16) in a way that brings us closer to His heart and character.
Freedom from the Encumbrance of Things – Physics teaches us that the greater the mass of an object, the greater its gravitational pull. In life, this plays out as the more we accumulate, the more time, energy, and cost is required to use and maintain it. A wealthy businessperson once told a colleague, “It takes a lot of time and money to maintain three houses.”
True Prosperity – Generous Christ-followers keep score differently. It is not how much is accumulated in the here and now, but what is distributed (given) for others’ benefit that matters. This is what Paul taught in 1 Timothy 6:17-19: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasures for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (ESV)
Joy – “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
I would encourage you to explore the many facets of generosity. One sure reason is that giving with an open hand and a generous heart brings joy to the giver!
These are a few of the benefits of living the giving life – a life of generosity to others. Now you can decide which are the primary and which are fringe benefits in your life.
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