The Testimony of Generosity

The Living Stone and a Chosen People
1 Peter 2:4-12

As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone," and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

I have heard recently that a foundation that supports public schools exceeded their fundraising goal. They also had a really good time, lots of teamwork, and genuine appreciation for each others' gifts and talents.

When I see these qualities in non-Christian settings I am struck by their hopefulness, confidence, and joy in the mission. And, their hope is not in the Cross and the promise of eternal life - what gives?

In contrast, many schools seem so defeated and dour in their outlook as though "the world is winning".

What would happen if we lived our faith in victory and in "Cross confidence"?

What if schools were known for the amazing support that poured into them because donors believed (and knew) that wonderful Kingdom work was happening here?

Maybe we could stop looking at "those guys over there" and be blessed with the Christian generosity the Lord is sending our way.

What if non-Christian organizations were looking at how we were doing things so that they would be interested enough to ask about our school?

What if that became an opportunity to share the Gospel? "....they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."