Proverbs 11:24-25, 1 Corinthians 1:4-5, Matthew 25:14-29, Matthew 6:19-21

Steve Gambill inspires us to live generously in all areas of life

It's worth saying that although the allocation of time is the same to every person, for those who have received eternal life an entirely different attitude and lifestyle should be prevalent. How we spend our time today should be spent wisely as it will have eternal consequences. When people who do not know Jesus ask for time, if I say, "no, I'm too busy", how short-sighted is that? A few moments spent in conversation can result in salvation that will effect generations to come.

With others who already know Christ, time spent needs to be strategic. A recent survey in our church revealed that over half of the young people 12-25 have no fatherly influence in their daily lives; so for me to remember a birthday, an upcoming exam, or to be available as a listening ear is essential.

However, I remember when our ministry grew, it required me to be more strategic with my time. When we topped 300 young people some years ago in our weekly attendance, I had to radically change how I invested time into the emerging young leaders. I learned that my world was becoming larger so I needed to invest more time in smaller numbers of people so they could be equipped to do the work. Now, years later it is my joy to see those who I invested so much time in lavishing their love and time on young people through small life groups, one to one, large-scale events and in so many practical ways. What started with just a few young people has been multiplied exponentially.

Today, with three campuses, (Bradford, Belfast & Leeds), growth means reaching into large geographical areas that put new demands on me and require constant adjustment and planning; but the moment I stop being generous, will undoubtedly be the moment that the brakes come on and growth stops. Therefore, I seek out leaders far further along the journey than me to learn all I can.

Be generous with your talent

Everyone has a skill or a talent. In Matthew 25:14-29 Jesus taught how important it is to put your talent to work; using your talent to further God's kingdom results in increase, while burying your talent results in losing it altogether. One of the most consistent questions I ask myself on a daily basis is how can I as a leader influence others to bring their God-given talent and ability into the local church? Everyone has something to give; from the youngest to the oldest, everyone can do more. Doing more, helps you to become more.

If are working 40 hours a week, to volunteer your area of expertise to your local church may be the last thing you want to do, but it may be the very thing your local church needs to go to the next level. If musicians bring their musical talent, accountants bring their financial skill, teachers their communication strategies...if parents use their driving skills, open their homes, if athletes volunteer to coach, if counsellors bring their pastoral skill etc, the church will grow in every community.

Be generous with your treasure

'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also'. Matthew 6:21

Nothing represents your generosity more then where you spend your money. Where is your treasure? Is it in the possessions you have, or hope to have; or is your treasure invested where God puts emphasis?

'Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or-worse!-stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.' Matthew 6:19-21

Ever-increasing generosity with treasure is expensive at every level; but when you understand that your life is not your own, it belongs to God because of His grace, an attitude of stewardship not ownership prevails. Everything we have, we steward; cars, homes; whatever you have; the lot!

It may start with buying a young person McDonalds or a Starbucks, but it shouldn't end there. Learning sound financial principles of giving, like 'sowing and reaping', learned today will make incredible difference in the years to come.

Years ago, I saw the Spielberg film Schindler's List that tells the true life story of a businessman, Oscar Schindler, who used his wealth to save the lives of hundreds of Jews during WW2. At the end of the movie there is an incredible scene where Oscar realises that if only he could have earned more, or sold more of his possessions that he could have rescued more lives. It is such a powerful revelation to him that he begins to weep. However many of the Jews he worked with console him and remind him how much he has done. The very last scene of the movie, hundreds he rescued and the thousands of their children and families visit Oscar's grave to pay tribute. I remember being motivated all over again to do all I can to reach this generation after watching that film.

In giving attention to all three areas; time, talent and treasure, generosity will bring growth beyond what you can imagine. Wherever you are at in your level of generosity, there are regions beyond to aspire and reach toward.

Don't live a moment as a "Grumpy Gus", instead determine to be known because of your generosity in giving. Get busy in the attitude and actions of being generous and very soon the results will speak for themselves. Who knows they may even start calling you "Generous Gus"!