Devotions based on James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community

The good and beautiful community is not based on the prosperity gospel or the poverty gospel, but the gospel of abundance. We have what we need when we need it and it is enough. We look at our assets in a new light and want to share in ways that God leads. This includes not only our money, but our time, our gifts, our abilities etc. We need to be reminded again and again the joys of giving.  This may mean creating a margin in order to give out, as we can’t give what we do not have. As we are frugal we will have more to give. “Frugality means buying what we need, but not necessarily what we want.”  It doesn’t mean cheap or stingy but staying within the bounds of what is necessary for the kind of life to which God has led us. It’s important that our faith find expression in our actions.  As we are grateful and thankful for what we have been given, we will naturally give of our time and treasures to others in need. God loves a cheerful giver! The author’s church makes it a policy to give 10% of their income to be used directly to those in need, regardless if they go to their church. So many lives have been touched and changed as a result and their congregation is blessed in return.  Let us not miss opportunities to give in the ways the Lord may direct each of us… even giving time to encourage another or and just listening is a gift!