The Generous Life

A 2018 study from the University of California – Berkeley found something fascinating: humans are biologically wired for generosity. In other words, we’re born to give.

But if that’s true, why do so many of us struggle with selfishness?

Simple answer: we grow up. And somewhere along the way, that generous instinct gets drowned out by a culture screaming, “Get more. Keep more. Be more.”

As someone who follows Jesus, I love it when modern science catches up to ancient truth. Because long before Berkeley ran a study, God already knew this:

Generosity changes lives — starting with your own.

God’s Wisdom on Generosity

In 1 Timothy 6, the apostle Paul is coaching a younger leader named Timothy. And he begins by reminding him of something that sounds almost countercultural today:

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

Translation: you won’t find real wealth in a bank account. You find it when you stop chasing more and start enjoying what you already have.

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
(v.7)

That truth alone should give us perspective. We showed up in this world with nothing, and we’ll leave the same way. So why do we spend so much energy trying to stockpile what we can’t keep?

The Danger of Wanting More

Paul keeps going: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap …” (1 Timothy 6:9)

Let’s be clear: God’s not against ambition or success. But he is concerned when money becomes our master.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (v.10)

It’s not that money itself is evil. It’s when we love it more than we love God or people that things fall apart. Paul warns that this kind of obsession can even pull people away from their faith.

That’s not just Scripture — it’s life. When we chase stuff, we lose sight of what really matters.

What God Really Wants for You

But Paul doesn’t stop with warnings. He moves to something even deeper: “Command those who are rich … not to put their hope in wealth … but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17)

Yes, God wants you to enjoy what he gives you! But not so you’ll keep it all to yourself. He gives so you can give.

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” (v.18)

Want to know how to change the world? Be generous. That’s how.

During the challenges of COVID-19, our church gave away nearly $30,000 to people in need. That generosity helped:

• A single mom feed her kids after losing her job.
• A family facing cancer stay afloat.
• People pay for rent, car repairs, and medical care.

Who made that possible? You did. In Paul’s words, you were “generous and willing to share.”

That’s why I love teaching on generosity. Not because the church needs your money but because I want you to experience what Paul says next:

“In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves … and take hold of the life that is truly life.” (v.19)

So Where Do You Start?

People often ask, “Ken, I want to be generous — but where do I begin?”

That depends on where you are. Here are three next steps.

1. If you’ve never given: Start with the heart. Generosity doesn’t begin with your bank account — it begins with your priorities. Make giving a part of your life rhythm.

2. If you want to give regularly: Think in percentages. Tonya and I start with 10% — the biblical tithe — because Scripture has a lot to say about giving the “first fruits.” Might that be painful? Sure. So is a colonoscopy. But both can save your life.

3. If you want to grow a generous lifestyle: Practice progressive giving. As God blesses you financially, let your generosity grow with your income. Adjust your giving percentages as you go.

Let’s live generously. Not because we have to. But because it’s what we were born to do.