We have finally arrived at our last two traits!
Generosity
We live in a consumer-driven world. The more people consume, the more businesses benefit economically. In fact, some of the things that we consume can lure us in to start consuming in excess. There are so many examples to mention, but let’s name just one: our screens. We work, relax, connect, and transact on our screens. Social media thrives when we spend more and more time on these apps, while research shows that excessive exposure to social media is detrimental to our mental health, especially for teenagers. [1]
What is it that make us humans tick, then? If consuming is not the answer, what is?
I’m sure you guessed it: giving.
Research spanning decades has revealed that giving to others produces many psychological and physiological benefits.[2] Whether it is by volunteering, giving your attention or sharing of expertise, donations, or the giving of gifts, we are happier when we give away, than when we spend on ourselves.
Many of us know this because we have experienced it firsthand. If I had to ask you: think about a time where you felt good because of something you gave to someone else, most of us will have a memory involuntarily pop into our minds. We know this, yet, many of us fall into the trap of consumerism. Consuming fills a void, but it’s a temporary relief. Generosity creates a special memory, and helps us to become better, healthier people.
It seems Paul was right all along (in Acts 20:35): “…You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’”
There is a distinction we should keep in mind. Yes, it seems when we are generous, we feel better than when we consume. I heard Tim Keller speaking on giving once, and his test for generosity was this: as followers of Jesus, our giving is meant to lead us to the point of sacrifice. Consider the generosity of Jesus: as a human, He gave until there was nothing left to give. The cost? His life. If I gave something, and I feel good afterwards, a good question to ask is: “How much did this act of giving cost me?”. Then, lastly, but probably most important, the final trait of a trailblazer…
Humility
Andrew Murray wrote a book way back in 1895 called Humility. Most of what he wrote is still as timely today as it was more than 100 years ago! Murray argues that all other virtues spring from the starting block of humility. If I don’t practise humility, then all other virtues or actions will essentially have an ulterior motive.
He says: “Humility, the place of entire dependence on God, is the first duty and the highest virtue of the creature, and the root of every virtue.”
Murray speaks about “the place of entire dependence on God…”. We are especially dependent on God for our identity and worth. If we get to a place where nothing else determines our worth, not what others say about us, nor our achievements or possessions, but the fact that God says we are His beloved, that we are enough, then we are ready to walk the path of humility.
He also wrote: “Here is the path to the higher life: down, lower down! Just as water always seeks and fills the lowest place, so the moment God finds men abased and empty, His glory and power flow in to exalt and to bless.” [3]
Sometimes, we hide our insecurity under the guise of humility, hoping that someone would say something to affirm our worth or abilities. If it’s about us, it’s not humility.
In his book ‘The freedom of self-forgetfulness’ Tim Keller wrote: “True gospel-humility means I stop connecting every experience, every conversation, with myself. In fact, I stop thinking about myself. The freedom of self-forgetfulness. The blessed rest that only self-forgetfulness brings.”[4]
Is it really possible to be humble? We will probably fail, often. Even so, as we grow, practising with the firm belief that, in Christ Jesus, we are enough, we will start living a life of purpose and excellence. The people around us will thank us for it!
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonifitzgerald/2022/10/24/new-doc-asks-how-is-tiktok-impacting-teens-mental-health/?sh=123af896ec4f
[2] https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/psychology-of-giving-to-charity/
[3] https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/13326.Andrew_Murray
[4] https://delightinggrace.wordpress.com/2022/06/30/8-favorite-quotes-from-the-book-the-freedom-of-self-forgetfulness-timothy-keller/
Anru Liebenberg 
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