Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

Generosity

I shared some of this with our worship team before practice on Sunday.  There was a time when I didn't enjoy preaching on generosity.

Several reasons why…

1.  People tend to get uptight when you talk about their money.

2. It's not a "sexy topic." I always thought it was difficult to make a "generosity message" fresh and exciting.

3. For a long time, I wasn't a generous person.

I have since done a complete 180° turn in my way of thinking.  Here's how I have come to view my previous obstacles to teaching on generosity.

1. I really don't care who I offend anymore, as long as I offend them with Scripture.  It took me a long time to get to this point, but this is where I am now.  If Biblical preaching offends someone, then that is between that person and God. All I am is the messenger.

2. God is an extravagant giver. John 3:16 tells us that giving is at the very core of who God is.  We are never more like God than when we give. So I'm going to preach it.  I'm going to preach it with passion.  I'm going to preach it often.

3. I am a much more giving person than I used to be.  Nicki and I didn't tithe for a long time.  And we struggled financially during that same time period.  Coincidence?  Nope. But now, God gets the first and the best of our income without fail.  And the more giving we become, the more we are blessed.

These are just a few reasons why I was excited to preach yesterday's message.  I'm sure it blessed some people.  I'm sure it offended some others.  But through it all, I'm sure it glorified God.  And that's all that matters to me.