CHOOSING A CRUCIFORM GENEROSITY By Jayson D. Bradley
We see it everywhere.
The cross worn as jewellery, used as flair on the back pockets of jeans, and superimposed over pictures of the American flag. It’s been an accessory for so long that its significance is lost on us.
Of all the symbols that could represent faith, why the cross?
Christianity has to be the only religion on the planet so closely associated with a humiliating torture device. Hardly a person on the planet would not recognize the emaciated figure on a crucifix.
At its very core, Christianity is about sacrifice.
A fantastic story of deity willingly laying down his life for his creation --
and then encouraging the same behaviour from those who follow after him.
Nothing is more symbolic of sacrifice than the cross.
Scripture is clear that the cross is more than our entrance into kingdom life—it’s a glorious example to follow. John tells us, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers” (1 John 3:16). And Paul offers us a similar encouragement: “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph. 5:2).
When Jesus asks us to take up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow him, he’s not asking us to be nice. He isn’t asking us to be polite. He’s prodding us to assume a new perspective and posture in regard to the world. After all, if you’re carrying your cross, it’s because you’re on your way to your own execution.
Typically, when we think about generosity, we’re focused on our possessions. We think about giving out of our surplus. We look at our mountain of things and wonder what we can live without. And it’s this mind-set that makes us miserly.
A cruciform (or cross-shaped) generosity sees the world through a Christ-like lens. How is my very life a means to meet this person’s need? How can I make my life larger to make room for others who could use my time, attention, advocacy, and resources?
Ultimately, the call toward sacrificial, cross-cantered generosity comes with more than just expectation—we’re offered incentive, too. Throughout the scriptures, we’re promised that our generosity is not overlooked:
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Tim. 6:18–19)
Generous living is a true act of faith and courage. It’s believing that Paul is right and that our gifts and sacrifices are investments into a coming age. Taking up our cross is about telling ourselves “no,” and telling the kingdom of God, “Yes!”
“Yes! I can meet this need!”
“Yes! Every little bit does make a difference!”
“Yes! Any sacrifice I make is temporary!”
Scripture regularly suggests that extravagant generosity is a loan that the Lord intends to repay. It takes faith to give up the things we have now, but can never keep, in order to send them along so that we may possess them forever.
But that’s the cross, isn’t it? Enduring momentary sacrifice for the eternal glory of everyone involved.
Jayson D. Bradley is a well-known writer and pastor in Bellingham, WA. He’s a regular contributor to Relevant Magazine, and his blog JaysonDBradley.com has been voted one of the 25 Christian blogs you should be reading. He is the content strategist for Gradlime, a content marketing agency content that equips faith-based organizations to reach more of the right people.
Follow Jayson on Twitter: @JaysondBradley
We see it everywhere.
The cross worn as jewellery, used as flair on the back pockets of jeans, and superimposed over pictures of the American flag. It’s been an accessory for so long that its significance is lost on us.
Of all the symbols that could represent faith, why the cross?
Christianity has to be the only religion on the planet so closely associated with a humiliating torture device. Hardly a person on the planet would not recognize the emaciated figure on a crucifix.
At its very core, Christianity is about sacrifice.
A fantastic story of deity willingly laying down his life for his creation --
and then encouraging the same behaviour from those who follow after him.
Nothing is more symbolic of sacrifice than the cross.
Scripture is clear that the cross is more than our entrance into kingdom life—it’s a glorious example to follow. John tells us, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers” (1 John 3:16). And Paul offers us a similar encouragement: “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph. 5:2).
When Jesus asks us to take up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow him, he’s not asking us to be nice. He isn’t asking us to be polite. He’s prodding us to assume a new perspective and posture in regard to the world. After all, if you’re carrying your cross, it’s because you’re on your way to your own execution.
Typically, when we think about generosity, we’re focused on our possessions. We think about giving out of our surplus. We look at our mountain of things and wonder what we can live without. And it’s this mind-set that makes us miserly.
A cruciform (or cross-shaped) generosity sees the world through a Christ-like lens. How is my very life a means to meet this person’s need? How can I make my life larger to make room for others who could use my time, attention, advocacy, and resources?
Ultimately, the call toward sacrificial, cross-cantered generosity comes with more than just expectation—we’re offered incentive, too. Throughout the scriptures, we’re promised that our generosity is not overlooked:
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Tim. 6:18–19)
Generous living is a true act of faith and courage. It’s believing that Paul is right and that our gifts and sacrifices are investments into a coming age. Taking up our cross is about telling ourselves “no,” and telling the kingdom of God, “Yes!”
“Yes! I can meet this need!”
“Yes! Every little bit does make a difference!”
“Yes! Any sacrifice I make is temporary!”
Scripture regularly suggests that extravagant generosity is a loan that the Lord intends to repay. It takes faith to give up the things we have now, but can never keep, in order to send them along so that we may possess them forever.
But that’s the cross, isn’t it? Enduring momentary sacrifice for the eternal glory of everyone involved.
Jayson D. Bradley is a well-known writer and pastor in Bellingham, WA. He’s a regular contributor to Relevant Magazine, and his blog JaysonDBradley.com has been voted one of the 25 Christian blogs you should be reading. He is the content strategist for Gradlime, a content marketing agency content that equips faith-based organizations to reach more of the right people.
Follow Jayson on Twitter: @JaysondBradley
25th June 2017
I talked about Prayer and the time we spend with God.
I presented a model for spending time with him.
As a request I have included this model here for you if you would like to know more, please see me.
Blessings David
Rev. Silvia Purdie moved to Christchurch 2015.
She has posted various of her sermons and worship
resources on her website: http://www.conversations.net.nz/
Psalm 96: Words run out
What words can we find?
How can we describe our mind-blowing God?
We have heard words in church:
worship and praise
glory and majesty,
honour and awe …
but what are our words
to tell of God’s greatness?
Maybe we need to shut up
and let the trees say it better …
the waves and the flowers,
the rocks under our feet
and the stars over our head,
they all know how to praise the Lord!
What words will you choose
to be your truth this day?
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
She has posted various of her sermons and worship
resources on her website: http://www.conversations.net.nz/
Psalm 96: Words run out
What words can we find?
How can we describe our mind-blowing God?
We have heard words in church:
worship and praise
glory and majesty,
honour and awe …
but what are our words
to tell of God’s greatness?
Maybe we need to shut up
and let the trees say it better …
the waves and the flowers,
the rocks under our feet
and the stars over our head,
they all know how to praise the Lord!
What words will you choose
to be your truth this day?
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
http://www.conversations.net.nz/god.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh0w8lEfoVo&feature=youtu.be
