Generous Integrity

 Hi Everyone,

I have been thinking through a pattern I have noticed on multiple continents. The pattern is the relationship between generosity and Integrity. I noticed that these two subjects are often points of struggle in most societies. That is because we need to live out a life of Generous Integrity. Most societies have a justification mentality; by this, I mean we justify what appears to be a small compromise for immediate results that we find to be more valuable.

The Bible calls followers of Christ to be generous; this comes from the belief that everything is God's instead of the 10% that is the tithe in the Old Testament. The gospel calls us beyond the law. So, how do the "Christians" struggle with budgeting the tithe to ensure they exceed the law? The arguments that are often expressed are "I'm generous in the way I feel led" or " I can't afford that now."

A friend once tested himself in this area by following both patterns. He found that if he didn't budget 10% as a starting point, he never exceeded 5%, which is the worldly average of generosity. When 10% was budgeted, he always gave considerably more annually.

It is living out of " faithful with little is faithful with much, and who is unfaithful in little is unfaithful in much." So now we start to see the pattern: If I compromise in finance, I create a justification mentality that eventually justifies the compromise of integrity. The two concepts are one, as most compromise over money first. In the same respect where generosity truly exists, so does integrity in excess or what I now call Generous Integrity.

These topics are so controversial because, deep down, we already know these things. It's because we know them. We don't want to hear them or, in this case, read them.

I encourage you and me to learn to walk in Generous Integrity. I believe it is key to making the biggest impact for God's Glory with our lives.

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