I suppose all pastors have a favorites theme or subject – a drum they really enjoy beating as often as they can get away with it.  My drum is the theme of generosity.  God is generous and compassionate. His word instructs us to be generous and forgiving in spirit with each other.  We are called to be generous with our resources of money, time, and skill sets.  I believe we are called to be “extravagantly generous” in as many areas of possible because that's the model God sets before us in His own character and Word.

Many years ago I worked on the west side of Lima.  Occasionally I'd stop by Meijer to buy something for Dinah – a little something to say I love you.  One night I went to the fresh fish department to buy shrimp (the kind you eat cold).  As the woman was putting the shrimp on the scale, I commented that I was buying them for my wife.  What happened next was the surprise!  She weight out what I wanted, pushed the button to print out the ticket showing weight and price and then looked at me and said “I wish my husband would do this for me sometime” and then she reached back into the supply of shrimp, put 4-5 more on the scale, looked at me and smiled!  In that brief interchange I understood what she was up to – she wanted to be a part of my small act of kindness and generosity.

I was so amazed by her gift of 4-5 extra shrimp that I didn't say “Hey – put those back!”  If I had it to over again, I would have.  While her action of giving shrimp that weren't hers to give is an important part of the story – her desire to be part of my love-care for Dinah struck me as a great example of how God wants to work through us to touch the lives of people!

I beat the drum of generosity as often as I can because I know God is looking for individuals, businesses, and churches that are like Him – generous!

Blessings!

Pastor Mark