Cap and Trade: All Increases Converted to Heavenly Riches

I was very challenged by something I read** on a flight to Cleveland this week. It was a biographical article about the generous life of John Wesley. I'm sure there are better biographies on him, but I recommend this article for its brevity and well-organized outline of some of the more notable aspects of his life (practice) and preaching on the subject of money and giving.

What blew me away was the degree to which he internalized things which Jesus and the Apostles taught. What is plainly seen in the Scriptures was so fully embraced by John, that it is rather shocking.

In summary, he got to a point where he committed to cap his spending at a fairly low level, and whatever extra came in after that, he would give it all away.

By why should I be shocked by his example? Is it because I feel the call to rise to a similar level of trust in God, expressed through generosity, but am as yet unwilling? Hmmm... Selah... Ouch.

In my work with high-net worth individuals, on behalf of an exceptional Christian ministry, I am privileged to know several individuals and families who have made similar commitments. I think of one young man who has great inherited wealth and has handed over control of around 80% of all that God has given him, putting it into a charitable trust that can only be used for gifting... and many similar stories of people who are indeed rising to a level like John Wesley.

Oh that I and many others would have faith like this. Lord Jesus, help (compel) us to live according to all the trust and joy you have in mind for us!

Other things that impacted me from Wesley's example (blog posts to come):

1) He was pro-business, arguing that to set up profitable endeavors was good stewardship.
2) He believed in giving during your lifetime, versus giving after you're gone. I'm not sure about this, seeing value in both. But I want to explore his thoughts more.

** This article is intended for the most mature of givers, what some call "Giving Champions." Do not be discouraged if the article seems, form your perspective, to be calling to a kind of giving/trust that you are not ready for. Instead, check out a great Web site (www.givingjourney.com) which is built around the idea that growing in generosity, like all spiritual growth, is a process, and there are stages. The creators of this site recognize four stages, and have created actionable suggested items for each stage, including things to read, and things to do. I highly recommend, no matter where you are in terms of being generous, that you click on one of the four stages:

1. Emerging Giver
   
2. Maturing Giver
3. Generous Giver
   
4. Giving Champion

I intend to share more on these stages soon...