Living Generously: A Sacrificial Life for the Kingdom
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
When we think of giving, we often think of finances. And while that’s a key part of it, Kingdom generosity is much more than what’s in our wallet—it’s about the posture of our hearts and the willingness to surrender our time, our talents, and our treasures for God’s glory.
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
When we think of giving, we often think of finances. And while that’s a key part of it, Kingdom generosity is much more than what’s in our wallet—it’s about the posture of our hearts and the willingness to surrender our time, our talents, and our treasures for God’s glory.
Giving Sacrificially: The Example of Christ
Jesus gave sacrificially. He laid down His rights, His time, and ultimately His life for the sake of others. To live like Christ is to live sacrificially. That means giving when it costs us, not just when it’s convenient.
We’re not called to comfort; we’re called to mission.
Financial Giving: Fueling the Work of the Kingdom
The early church understood the power of pooling resources. Acts 2:44-45 tells us believers “sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
Today, our financial giving enables the local church to thrive, supports global missions reaching the unreached, empowers mobilization organizations that awaken the Church to her calling, and strengthens local ministries that serve right where we live.
Giving to your local church fuels discipleship, worship, and community transformation. Giving to global missions and mobilizers ensures that the Gospel goes to every tribe, tongue, and nation. Giving locally meets urgent needs in your own backyard. This is Kingdom alignment.
Time: The Gift That Costs the Most
Our calendars often reveal our true priorities. God calls us not just to give our money but to give our presence. Volunteering in the nursery, making disciples, serving meals to the hungry, mentoring youth, or simply listening to someone in pain—these are sacred offerings.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:15-16 to make “the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Living missionally means intentionally giving time to the things that matter eternally.
Talents: What Has God Placed in Your Hands?
Each of us has been given gifts—skills, abilities, experiences, and passions. Whether you’re a teacher, artist, builder, tech expert, or great encourager, your talents are tools in God’s hands.
1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) says, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
Kingdom work isn’t confined to pulpits. It happens in classrooms, boardrooms, kitchens, and construction sites—wherever surrendered people offer their gifts for God’s glory.
The Call: A Life Fully Given
Living a life on mission is not just about going somewhere; it’s about living fully surrendered right where you are and beyond. It’s saying, “God, all I have—my time, talent, and treasure—is Yours.”
God isn’t impressed by the size of our offering but by the size of our obedience. Sacrificial giving will stretch you. But it also transforms you, and through you, transforms others.
Application Questions
- Time Commitment:
What percentage of my time is currently dedicated to:- Serving my local church?
- Mobilizing believers to engage in the Great Commission?
- Supporting missionaries on the field?
- Participating in global Christian efforts (e.g., prayer, advocacy, short-term missions)?
- Financial Giving:
What percentage of my giving is allocated to:- My local church?
- Strategic gospel workers and missionaries on the field?
- Mobilization organizations that awaken and equip the Church?
- Sending agencies, training schools, or mission-focused ministries?
- Talent: How am I allocating my talents to advance the Great Commission?
- Personal Stewardship:
How am I intentionally using my time, talents, and treasure to invest in Kingdom work—locally and globally?
Prayer
Lord, You gave everything for me. Help me to live with open hands and a willing heart. Teach me to give sacrificially—my money, my time, my skills—for the sake of Your Kingdom. Let my life be a reflection of Your generosity and grace. Use what I have to bring others to You and to advance Your mission around the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dr. Vicky Warren, Chief Executive Advisor for MissionWorks
Vicky spent 33 years working in innovative and creative environments, leading multimillion-dollar technology deployments and forging alliances with influential visionaries such as Steve Jobs, Nicholas Negroponte’s MIT Media Lab, Stanford Research Institute (SRI), and The Walt Disney Studios. Her roles primarily focused on leadership and business development, strategic planning, research and development, and fostering innovation and creativity.
Her passion for Christ eventually led her on a remarkable journey of faith and adventure—walking on burning coals, sitting with the persecuted Church, serving church planters across Asia and Africa, and founding Pioneer Business Planting. Vicky’s greatest passion is mobilizing World Christians to step into their most strategic roles in serving God’s Kingdom.
