When someone has been given much, much will be required in return.
You will no doubt be aware that, as a Ministry Area, since Advent, we have been reflecting on our four key cultural pillars of Prayerfulness, Evangelism, Hospitality and, now as we approach Holy Week and Easter, Generosity. The most generous person that you immediately bring to mind might be known personally to you or might be somebody who donates finances, and expertise to a particular cause, area or social issue. I have always been inspired by those who own thriving business empires and who are so willing to contribute some of their own good fortune to good causes.
Since the arrival of Reverend Mark, our Ministry Area Committee (MAC) meetings begin with a short period of time in which we focus on mission. During our recent meeting, and whilst contemplating the notion of Generosity, I shared the recollection that I had of a young man at the school in which I worked. He had severe autism and, as a result, had developed an obsession with Eddie Stobart lorries.
When contacted about this young man, the owners of the firm immediately sent him lots of Eddie Stobart related merchandise and invited the whole group to visit the lorry depot. Mr. Stobart would never have known the effect that his generosity had on my lovely young pupil, his classmates, and most of all on me.
For Christmas I received the gift of a book entitled ‘ Amazing Stories of Hope & Faith’ collated by Robert Patterson who, for his whole life, has been an observor of what God teaches us from real life ‘U-turn’ situations. I was amazed to discover the story of the third wife of Ray Kroc, a devious individual who basically cheated the two original McDonald brothers out of their hamburger business and, in selling on franchises, built up the vast organisation that we see today, becoming very wealthy in the process. His third wife Joan, quickly came to realise that he had a violent, ungovernable temper but made the huge decision to put up with the unhappiness as she had plans to use his ill-gotten gains for good causes. Philanthropy became her focus in life. When Ray died in 1984, Joan gave away countless millions and became known as ‘ Saint Joan of the Golden Arches.’ In 2003, she died of cancer and almost all of her vast estate went to charitable causes. She was the ‘Robin Hood’ wife who took her husband’s wealth and gave it away to those who needed it more. Should you visit a McDonald’s restaurant in the near future, please spare a thought for Joan.
Inspiring as this story is, generosity, of course, does not relate simply to finances. It is a vitue that could be likened to unselfishness. Someone who is a generous person is willing to see the good qualities in someone or something and is happy to give money, time, knowledge, expertise, life’s basic necessities or kindness where need has arisen.
As we approach Eastertide, we bring to mind the generosity of Jesus who gave his life for us and continues to share his riches and blessings with each and every one of us. My little book of inspirational stories encourages us with the words ‘Rather than counting your blessings, be the blessing other people count on.’ In Luke 12;48 we read ‘ When someone has been given much, much will be required in return.’
