Bold and Generous
by Kim Arthur
It’s almost Easter, and for me it’s one of the most exciting times of the year. It’s not because things are finally blooming and adding some beauty to the Seattle gray (and discomfort to my sinuses). It’s not even because my kids have Spring Break the week of Easter. I’m excited, because at this time of year I’m usually reminded that God is at work. People are more open to spiritual questions as they see the word “Easter” hanging on church signs and Easter bunny-shaped candy popping up in the checkout line. Even our zoo used to have an Easter egg hunt. So what’s all the fuss about?
Is Jesus Worth the Fuss?
So what’s all the fuss about? Is Jesus worth all the fuss? I think this is a good question to sit and talk to the Lord about. It’s a question to consider as we recall our own stories of salvation. If you’re not a disciple of Jesus, maybe you want to hear my answer. I’m someone who did not grow up in a Christian household. I became the first Christian in my family–a generally “moral” family that rode the rivers of agnosticism (dad) and Buddhism (mom). I was no predisposed to believing that Jesus is the truth, the way and the life and that no one goes to the Father except through Him.
In a nutshell, if it weren’t for Jesus’ resurrection I’d say no. I don’t think all of this would be worth it. After all, if it weren’t for the resurrection of Jesus, I should’ve just waved Him off as another religious figure. If it weren’t for the resurrection, the best I could’ve ascribed to Jesus was that He was a somewhat moral man with a revolutionary approach to life, but that’s it.
If we want to be really honest, if it weren’t for the resurrection, I would argue we should ultimately write Jesus off as a lunatic or a liar but certainly not one to be followed, worshipped, and trusted. But every Easter I’m reminded that the evidence does point to the fact that Jesus did what He said He would do, and for that, I am forever grateful and changed. It validates who Jesus said He was, what He came to do (to rescue and reconcile) and proves His great love for us. His resurrection is one of the greatest objective reasons along with my subjective experiences that I can’t help but celebrate this God man.
Bold and Generous?
During a prayer time with other Hallows folks this morning, a simple request by another caught my attention. My friend asked the Lord to help us be a people who are “bold and generous with the Good News of Jesus.” I actually pray often for boldness in sharing the gospel–with those who do and do not know it yet. But generous? That made me pause. Do I tend to be generous with the gospel? With my family? With my neighbors? With strangers? How about you?
That leads me to the next set of questions: am I treating the gospel like something that is optional to share? Something I should share? Or something I want to share generously–not stingily, not calculating first whether it’s worth the risk of putting myself and my faith out there, not trying to figure out if someone fits the “type of person” in my mind who would actually want, “need,” or respond to the gospel. So as Easter approaches yet again, I am praying that you and I would be “bold and generous with the Good News of Jesus.” May we remember why Jesus is worthy of all the fuss, how the resurrection of Christ is so significant, and be generous in sharing the reason for the hope that we have.
________________
Kim Arthur is the Hallows Communications Director. She loves how her background in communication, seminary and vocational ministry can be leveraged for others’ good and God’s glory in her formal and informal roles with The Hallows Church.