City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

Proverbs 11:25 (NKJV)

Commentary

When I was in college, I worked as a server in a seafood restaurant. If you have ever worked as a server, you know there are certain times that are more profitable to work than others. Friday and Saturday nights were always the prime time for those who survived on tips; lunch shifts and Sundays not so much. It didn’t take long working as a server to hear the stereotype about church people, that is, that they are the worst tippers. Maybe you’ve heard it too.

Now, in reality, studies have shown that is not true, but as with so many things, perception is reality. So, many years ago, I instituted a personal practice with the intent of flipping that perception of Christians. I call it “The 20% Rule.” It works like this: If I am eating at a restaurant where anyone at my table talks about God, Jesus, or church in the hearing of our server, I tip at least 20% and sometimes encourage others to do the same. And, yes, even if the service is bad. 

As an ambassador for the kingdom of God and King Jesus, I want to demonstrate the prosperity of the Kingdom and generosity of its King. Those who have been watered, should water others (Proverbs 11:25).  Whether you eat or drink—and when you go out to a restaurant you are doing both—you should do so in a way that brings glory to God (I Cor. 10:31). 

People can’t see God, but they can see those who claim to represent Him, and how we represent Him is often the basis for how they see God. We should represent Him honestly, which means generously.  

Application

Generosity is a core value of City Life Church because it is a characteristic of who God is. We want to be generous so we can demonstrate who God is to a world that does not know Him. So, here is the question: What will you do today to demonstrate the generosity of God to others?

Prayer

Lord, show me an opportunity today to demonstrate Your generosity to others. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.