(This article first appeared in the March 22nd 2019 email from LICC’s Connecting with Culture series. Author Mark Greene has kindly allowed us to share it.)
Life is not a highlights reel. And nor are the great novels.
Inevitably, of course, screen and stage versions of big books like Victor Hugo’s much-adapted Les Misérables tend to focus on events that drive the narrative forward, moments of deep ethical challenge, intense emotion, and high personal jeopardy. But Hugo’s ambition for his tale of the gospel-fuelled transformation of Jean Valjean from disdained felon to selfless citizen went far beyond showing the triumph of godliness under extreme pressure. Rather, Hugo, whose faith position is disputed, is interested in portraying the possibility of radical consistent godliness worked out in everyday life.
We are halfway through 40acts 2019 and, along with many faithful followers, every year our generosity campaign attracts thousands of new activists who get caught up in this wave of giving and altruism.
We know because our inbox and social media channels are brimming with stories of generosity and giving that touch our hearts and souls. We read them aloud, share over coffee and pore over pictures of people carrying out heart-warming acts for their neighbour, friend, boss or stranger.
This is going to seem a bit like mum saying “it’s for your own good” as she tips cod-liver oil down your throat - but one of the main reasons for being generous is that: giving is good for you! It may be good for the recipient too, but, believe it or not, you benefit most from being generous. You really do. Here is the main reason why: giving breaks the power of money.
I confess I’m a bargain hunter, whatever the time of year. I can walk into a shop and find my feet tracking their way to the stickered items before I’ve consciously registered their existence. I’m like the Bisto kid of the reduced-item retail world – that is, until the January sales, which bring out a very different reaction in me.
It’s that time again, the office party or works’ dinner out looms, and someone has come up with the bright scheme of having a Secret Santa. The idea (in case you are unfamiliar) is that each person in the organisation buys a gift for one other person, whose name is drawn randomly from a top hat, if done properly, but an old Jiffy bag if not. The end result is that everyone receives a present at the event, with no one left out.
One of the things I love about generosity is that it’s always available to us. The worst kind of day can happen, you can stub your toe, work can be rubbish, the dog can vomit on the rug – and you can still walk out the door and practice generosity. The door never closes on generosity, and the chance to make someone else’s life better is always there. It’s always an option.
Reverse tithing. Generous even in poverty. Christians love a juxtaposition. We love to illustrate a point using polar opposites. Maybe that’s because it’s all over the Bible. That’s why you can read the phrase reverse tithing without even batting an eyelid, because at first it seems illustrative. Except reverse tithing isn’t just an illustration, it’s a real way to tithe. Or at least it is for Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and his wife.
When I was at school in the 1970s, the word “slavery” meant the TV series “Roots.” We were all glued to it, open-mouthed at the successive generations of enslaved people who made up writer Alex Haley’s family. Today, in 2018, modern slavery is everywhere, its toxic fingers reaching into every country and community. People are still forced to work against their will by cruel masters.
What were you taught about generosity when you were a child?
Growing up, we did not have much money, but my father – a carpenter – gave his time and skills to our elderly and poor neighbours.
As a visually impaired person, my husband, John, has often been the recipient of generous giving. He has benefitted from fund-raising activities and street collections, and has been the owner of four gorgeous guide dogs. He is extremely grateful to charities like Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, RNIB, Calibre (who send him audio books) and the BWBF who provide him with an internet radio.
But it’s important to him to be able to give too.
blogs by the Stewardship team and selected guest writers.
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