Kameel Atweh
If you are anything like me, the month of January feels like the plateau after a wild rollercoaster ride. The final two-month stretch of every year is filled with work deadlines, holiday planning, buying presents, and countless other items on a never-ending to-do list.
January is the equivalent of the vacation you crave after you have just taken an action-packed vacation. It is the time of year that you might be telling yourself: “You’ve had a long two-month stretch. Now try to relax and dial down. Just take it easy.” While that sounds nice in theory, that mindset can be dangerous. Work is a big part of our DNA. God gifted us with work before sin even came into the picture, so we can rest assured it is a good thing!
The fruit of our work needs to be shared.
If there is one good example that taught me what hard work looks like, it would have to be my parents. Their consistent work rhythm and ethic are unparalleled. Their work philosophy, however, came with a caveat: The fruit of our work needs to be shared. Their time, abilities, efforts, and money were not their own but they recognized them as a gift from God.
The Mystery of Generosity
One of their most impactful life habits was (and is) the way they consistently give time and resources. Generosity has always been their motto, no matter the circumstance. When I was around 10 years old, my parents were expecting some financially challenging months ahead. But even during that time, they vowed to keep giving to Kingdom work in their community.
“Our time, abilities, efforts, and money are not our own but should be recognized as a gift from God.”
Those few months ended up being the most comfortable they had ever felt about their finances. They took a leap of faith by giving above and beyond despite the looming hardship of what was headed their way. And they were somehow rewarded, even though the math did not make sense.
Do I say all this to brag on my parents? I cannot say that I don’t! However, it goes a little beyond that. Seeing my parents live generously has set the bar for what “generous living” means. My time, energy, and money are not solely mine. They are meant to be shared because they are all gifts from the Lord. As a good friend of mine so astutely once said, “We are given so we can give.” Like Abram in Genesis 12:2, we are blessed to be a blessing.
This idea brings to mind what Jesus observed in the temple in Mark 12:41-44. While “many rich were putting in large amounts” and seemingly doing the right thing, a poor widow came and put two coins worth no more than 1/64th of a day’s wage back in those times. Today, that would be just over 90 cents for an 8-hour workday on minimum wage. What some might call chump change Jesus labeled as “more” than what the rich people contributed.
In God’s economy, giving is not about the amount of your shared wealth. It is about the posture of your heart.
“In God’s economy, giving is not about the amount of your shared wealth. It is about the posture of your heart.”
Stories of Generosity
Just over a year ago, I joined the Church Engagement team at Buckner International. It is not only a job but also an opportunity to invite church pastors and leaders into a rhythm of generous giving. The most rewarding part of what I get to do is reading about how the Church gets to impact the lives of vulnerable children and families. Here is an example of an impact story of a family in Southeast Texas.
A single mom with four boys was pregnant with her fifth child and getting ready for the holidays—which has always been a tough season for her family. When local Buckner staff started working with them, they had just moved to Southeast Texas and had no furniture or transportation. With the help of Buckner’s generous church partners, the family was provided with a Christmas that put the biggest smile on their faces. The boys enjoyed many gifted toys, and the mom was surprised to see a gift card in the package just for her.
All we have as individuals, families, and local churches is from the Lord. And it is only fitting that we give him back a portion of what he has so graciously lavished on us.
Just like the poor widow, my parents, and Buckner’s generous church partners, YOU have something to bring to the table today. I encourage you to pray and consider coming alongside our Christ-centered ministry so we can collectively serve vulnerable children and families in Texas and around the world.
Please contact church@buckner.org for more information.
Kameel Atweh serves as the Church Engagement Officer for Buckner International in Houston and Southeast Texas. He seeks to maintain and develop relationships between Buckner and local churches with the goal of expanding Kingdom work in that region.
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