Christians believe in the generosity virtue

Christians believe in the generosity virtue

No. 6 Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23

In the book LIFESKILLS 101: Higher Core Values Winners Live by

THE BIBLE AND SCIENCE

The following information is cited to help each person understand the strength of the link between the truth from the Bible and the truth that is being researched by the social sciences.

GOODNESS AND GENEROSITY IN SCIENCE AND CHRISTIANITY

This research project is one of the most in-depth personality studies in religiously oriented scientific research. Personality scientists have been looking for optimum lifestyle factors for 5 or more decades. Historically, the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, c.1941) was the first major personality inventory that attempted to discover problematic personality characteristics. Quickly, other personality inventories followed. Each one was a scientific endeavor to separate the beneficial characteristics from their problem-producing counterparts, so that therapists could help persons with problems.

Goodness was not listed at first by personality scientists. By the 1970's there were some synonyms of goodness in the developing lists: benevolence, altruism, nurturing, etc. Samuel Krug’s Psychware Sourcebook (1988 -1989) of 451 personality inventories does not expand the list of synonyms for goodness very much either. The word “generosity” is the closest identifiable parallel of “goodness,” “benevolence,” “altruism” and “nurturing,” are also words that the personality scientists use in their personality inventories.

THE BRIDGE BETWEEN GOODNESS AND GENEROSITY

Biblically, the Greek word for goodness is agathosune in the list of the Fruit(s) of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Agathosune in Greek is the noun form. Agathos in Greek is the adjective form, which is translated in English by “excellent,” “distinguished,” “upright,” “free from guile”, “acceptable to God,” “moral goodness” (Thayer’s Lexicon). Agathosune is used only 4 times (Romans 15:14; Ephesians 5:9; II Thessalonians 1:11; Galatians 5:22). In these verses it is translated mostly by “good(ness)” or “good resolve.” However, in the Analytical Greek Lexicon the authors say agathosune is translated by “goodness,” “virtue,” “beneficence” (benevolence). (The Lexicon refers to the Septuagint (Greek Bible) for this information on agathosune.) The New Revised Standard Version and the Phillips version both translate goodness by “generosity.”

GOODNESS is a higher level of character than GENEROSITY, but includes a substantial amount of the “generosity,” “nurturing” and “ altruism”; These three words (concepts) are believed by most social science efforts to be more positively-oriented optimum lifestyle virtues.

The bridge or link between the Biblical concept of this Fruit of the Spirit and the social sciences concept is the word “generosity.” This is about the best connection that can be made. We need to acknowledge that Christianity appears to hold to a higher level of the “goodness” character trait than is commonly understood by the social sciences.

OVERVIEW

GOODNESS IN TERMS OF GENEROSITY

Goodness is a mark of character.

A high compliment is, “S/he is really a good person.”

Greek agathosune is goodness, generosity, beneficence.

Godly generosity flows from the soul.

GOODNESS / GENEROSITY VERSUS SELF-INDULGENCE

God is the ultimate standard of goodness.

Goodness in terms of generosity is opposite self-indulgence.

Goodness is an antidote to self-indulgence.

Goodness is part of a higher level of optimum lifeskills.

GOODNESS TO OTHERS AS ONE’S BEST SELF-INTEREST

“It is more beneficial to give than receive.” Acts 20:35 KJ

“A generous person prospers.” Proverbs 11:25 KJ

“Good deeds are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Titus 3:8 KJ

“Give and it shall be given unto you...” Luke 8:38 KJ

“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing.” Proverbs 28:27 KJ

THE KEY THEME OF THIS MATERIAL

Persons who profess a belief in Jesus Christ, trust God’s Holy Spirit to work in their souls (psyche) and bring about elevated levels of Fruit(s) of the Spirit. Higher levels of Fruit(s) of the Spirit do not always occur automatically as a result of faith.

BEFORE WE GO FURTHER, IT MAY BE HELPFUL TO KNOW WHAT LEVEL OF “GOODNESS” (generosity) WE LIVE AT.

HIGH “GOODNESS” (in the form of generosity, benevolence) IS AT THE TOP, BUT BEING MALEVOLENT, RANCOROUS, CHURLISH IS AT THE OTHER END, THE BOTTOM.

TO FIND OUT WHERE WE STAND BETWEEN THE SYMPTOMS OF “GOODNESS” AND THE SYMPTOMS OF SELF-CENTERED STINGINESS, EACH OF YOU IS BEING OFFERED A TEST TO SEE WHERE YOU ARE IN THAT SPECTRUM. HERE IS THAT TEST.

PART 1

YOU CAN USE THIS SET OF QUESTIONS TO MEASURE

YOUR GENEROSITY LEVEL ACCORDING TO A CROSS

SECTION OF PEOPLE.

Pick out the most appropriate response.

Write the number of that response in the space provided by that statement.

0=Never, 1=Rarely, 2=Occasionally, 3=Sometimes, 4=Frequently, 5=Almost always

51. I am a generous person.

52. I do things for persons other than my family.

53. I help friends and neighbors without pay.

54. I make sure other’s needs are met before my own.

55. I make contributions to a number of good causes.

56. I buy cards or novelties or mementoes for my friends.

57. My family and friends would say that I am generous.

58. I contribute to worthy causes more than others my age.

59. I give adequate time to my loved ones.

60. At home or on the job, I give more energy than others.

TOTAL

(This is Segment No. 6 of Darrell Franken’s Christian Personality Profile built around the Fruit(s) of the Spirit. These questions are a synthesis of the questions found in 39 major published tests. Keep your answers to yourself.)

Take the TOTAL and go to the next page. Find the TOTAL which is on the left side of the column.

“Persons with the highest ethics are the most likely to succeed.”

Sir William Templeton at Hope College, Holland, Michigan, 1997

CONVERSION OF RAW SCORES

TO PERCENTILE SCORES

Find your raw score in the left column, and the score next to it will be your percentile score. The percentile is your score in relation to a cross section of the general population.

(Raw-%)

1=1 11=1 21=6 31=35 41=83

2=1 12=1 22=7 32=40 42=87

3=1 13=1 23=8 33=45 43=90

4=1 14=1 24=9 34=50 44=92

5=1 15=2 25=10 35=55 45=94

6=1 16=2 26=13 36=60 46=96

7=1 17=3 27=17 37=65 47=97

8=1 18=3 28=20 38=70 48=98

9=1 19=4 29=25 39=75 49=99

10=1 20=5 30=30 40=80 50=99

(Example: If your raw score is 42, then your percentile score is 87, which means that only 13 out of 100 persons are more “Generous” than you -- plus or minus about 5% points.)

The purpose of this kind of self-evaluation is to help you set proper goals. If your score made you a bit embarrassed, count your blessings. Now you know what to do go gain some of the larger benefits of optimum lifeskills. Generosity is only part of the larger idea of what is “goodness.”

“Our dependence on Divine providence is a firm and lively faith that God can and will help us.” Mother Teresa

REMEMBER YOUR PERCENTILE SCORE.

YOU WILL BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO SEE A PREDICTION

OR TWO ON THE BASIS OF THAT SCORE.

MAKING A PREDICTION ABOUT YOUR FUTURE LEVEL OF STRESS IN RELATION TO YOUR GENEROSITY

FIND YOUR “GENEROSITY” SCORE ON THE SOLID LINE. Your projected average “STRESS” level is just above or below it. The predictive validity is between 75% and 85%. Increasing a “Generous” attitude toward life, puts

THE GRAPH VERIFIES ONE OF THE PROMISES OF GOD IN THE BIBLE. FINANCIAL STRESS DROPS 26% FOR THE TOP-SCORING 10% OF PEOPLE WHO ARE COMPARED TO THE BOTTOM-SCORING 10% OF THE PEOPLE.

Take at look at this verse in the Bible. “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will he pour into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back” (Luke 6:38 RSV). The statistics show that “prosperity” and “generosity” are associated with each other.

Sir John Templeton, founder of the Templeton Funds and the Templeton Foundation has been awarding a $1,000,000 annual prize ($1,500,000 in the later 1990's) for the promotion of religion worldwide. Some of his awards have gone to the scientific investigation of the benefits of religion in the world. Mr. Templeton began being charitable when he got his first job. He gave 10% of his income. That is tithing. He always has contributed 10%. Now at age 85 he is giving away millions each year. Recently, while holding meetings in our city he said that he has “never seen a tithing person who wasn’t prosperous.” In this statement we see his passion for being generous.

DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS?

It is not really rational to say that generosity causes prosperity, or that prosperity causes generosity. However, discuss how the chart above might support the proposition that there is a greater degree of probability that an inner attitude of goodness / generosity might contribute to decreased financial stress.

GENEROSITY ASSOCIATED WITH PROSPERITY.

THE CHART SHOWS AN INVERSE OR OPPOSITE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN GENEROSITY AND SELF-INDULGENCE. IT IS NOT NECESSARILY A DIRECT CAUSE-EFFECT CONNECTION. There may be another cause, outside of these two, affecting these two lifestyle factors in this way. Self-indulgence takes a dive when Fruit of the Spirit No. 6 passes the 90th percentile, where generosity is highest.

Higher-level generous persons (top 30 persons from 270-300 above) in the top 10 percentiles have approximately one-third of a factor called “self-indulgence,” as compared to the lower generous persons (low 30 persons from 1-30). “Self-indulgence” has many forms. Some self-indulgent behaviors, like watching certain types of television, are not as costly as others, but may be harmful. It may be too presumptuous to put alcohol and smoking in the category of “self-indulgence,” but look at these figures. The research identified alcohol consumption and smoking as lower in those who have higher scores in GENEROSITY. It can be shown that higher alcohol and smoking symptoms drop to about one-third for persons with higher levels of GENEROSITY (goodness). The precise cost savings might not be known over a lifetime. However, let’s say that cigarette consumption is reduced from 2 packages a day to 1 package a day. A reduction of one package of cigarettes a day for 50 years is now calculated, based on $3.50 cents per package, to be $63,875 for those 50 years. If alcohol consumption were similarly reduced the cost savings in 50 years would be doubled to $127,750. If that $7.00 were deposited weekly, the person could be a millionaire, or more, after 50 years. self-indulgence wastes money. God knows that. Follow God and become a millionaire!

DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS?

Discuss the problem of deciding to be more generous, thinking it will produce a greater prosperity.

GENEROSITY COMES OUT OF ONE’S HEART

THE GRAPH SHOWS AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INCREASING LEVELS OF GENEROSITY AND SELF-CONTROL, BOTH FRUIT(S) OF THE SPIRIT. Since we cannot say that one causes the other, we need to understand that something(s) other than these two are prompting both to rise somewhat proportionally to each other.

Sir John Templeton told an audience of 200 local business persons about his and his wife’s first apartment in New York. Over 50 years ago it cost him $50.00 per month, unfurnished. Together, he and his wife earned $250.00 a month. They put half of it into the stock market on Wall Street where he worked. This Harvard educated Rhodes Scholar furnished his apartment with furniture sold or abandoned by other tenants who moved out of his apartment house. This seems to indicate that the Templetons were not basically self-indulgent people. Over time the Templetons amassed a large amount of money which they are now distributing to charitable causes. It appears that the Templetons have some inner values that have contributed to their character and current generosity. The Templetons have been making a statement (like the widow’s mite) about their spiritual values and their passions for optimum lifeskills. They believed in self-control. They believe in generosity.

Jesus once embarrassed the rich leaders of his day. He called their attention to a widow who was being very generous. He noticed that she was giving “two mites.” Her two copper coins were, by comparison, more than all the wealth the rich had contributed. “She out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:2). Her gift was a statement of her values and her belief that prosperity and GENEROSITY are connected.

DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS?

“He who sows bountifully, shall also reap bountifully” II Corinthians 9:6.

This is a promise from the Bible. How realistic is it in our day?

GENEROSITY AND HEALTH BENEFITS

THE CHART COMPARES THE TOP 30 PERSONS’ GENEROSITY WITH THE 30 LOWEST SCORING PERSONS IN “GENEROSITY.” THE LOW SCORING 30 PERSONS HAD 277% MORE DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL.

Scientifically, we need to be cautious about any direct and singular connection between GENEROSITY and health. One cannot conclude that raising generosity by itself will result in fewer Days in the Hospital.

However, there is a repeating assurance in the Word of God that spirituality and God’s higher Fruit(s) of the Spirit produce better health and general well-being. God has revealed that to us in His Word, the Bible. God says, “My son, attend to my words . . . for they are life unto those who find them and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:22 KJ). This corresponds to the research. God’s higher level Fruit(s) of the Spirit continually show up along side of positive health indicators. In this case higher GENEROSITY (as a part of GOODNESS) corresponds to a higher health factor, namely fewer Days in the Hospital. The Old Testament is a record of cycle after cycle of the Israelites (Jews) righteousness and prosperity followed by cycles of departure from righteousness with consequent pain and suffering. The theme of many of the prophets writings in the Old Testament is one of connecting righteousness with benefits from God. That model appears to be substantiated by the research reported here.

DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS?

There is an accumulation of associations between “generosity” and well-being. What is the driving force that is making this happen?

GENEROSITY AND PROSPERITY

THE TALLEST BAR (LEFT) SHOWS 210 DAYS OF ABSENCE FOR THE 10 WORST SCORERS IN GENEROSITY (average in12th percentile). ON THE RIGHT THERE WAS ONE DAY ABSENT BY THE 10 PERSONS AVERAGING IN THE 91ST PERCENTILE OF GENEROSITY.

The most extremely non-generous persons averaged 12 days of absenteeism per year. Now let’s calculate how much poorer they can be, because of lack of generosity. If they miss those twelve days of work per year and do not get paid, they miss about $60.00 to $100.00 per day of pay and benefits, minimum. That is a loss of $720.00 to $1200.00 per year. In a lifetime of 50 years of work, each of these 10 persons average missing $36,000 to $60,000 in a lifetime of 50 years of work. Now consider inflation, and consider the person is making double what we have calculated here. That approaches an absenteeism loss of somewhere in between $120,000 and $250,000 or one-quarter of a million dollars, over a lifetime of low-generosity. This happens, on the average, to the absolutely lowest scorers in GENEROSITY. Of course you won’t save all that money simply by becoming “generous.” A person will need to raise the level of more Fruit(s) of the Spirit than just GENEROSITY to get that one-quarter million dollars. The worst offenders in absenteeism (highest bar on left) have many other lower-level scores in many other factors in their lives. But the statistics partially substantiate the truth of the promise of God. “A generous person prospers” (Proverbs 11:25).

DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS?

Your author is exuberant and rejoices that the truth from a scientific pursuit (epidemiological research) corresponds in a large measure with the truth that God revealed. How capable of rejoicing are you? If you haven’t joined the party, it time!

PROSPERITY AS INCREASED WELL-BEING

REVIEW: THE CHART SHOWS GENEROSITY (GOODNESS) AS THE HIGHEST VERTICAL BAR. IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY 8 OTHER HIGHER-LEVEL FRUIT(S) OF THE SPIRIT. THIS COMBINATION GENERATES HIGHER-LEVEL PROSPERITY.

Shu Yeng Shih became a Christian in Taiwan in the late 1980's or early 1990's. She gave a testimony while attending a theological seminary in Holland, Michigan. She said, “When missionaries came to Taiwan with the Gospel (mid 19th century), the first generation of Christians (most of them) were poor. Now, after five generations those Christian families are blessed in their economic situation, because most of them are professionals and businessmen. This is God’s material blessing, that comes when people “Love the Lord.” After her testimony she indicated that most converts to Christianity do so at a time when they are very poor. She said it takes an average of about three generations for a new believer’s family to become prosperous. Even then some prosper very little, and others prosper much more and in different ways. Shu Yeng Shih sees a strong connection between higher-level spirituality and overall well-being, which may include financial prosperity.

Godly persons bear “Fruit(s) of the Spirit,” one of which is “goodness,” akin to GENEROSITY. That was true in the Old Testament too. “If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures” (Job 36:11 KJ). — “They shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6 KJ). — “Blessed (benefitted) is the (person) . . . his delight is in the law of the Lord . . . in all that he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3 KJ).

DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS?

Are you making a stronger and stronger commitment?

PART 2

UPGRADING LOW GENEROSITY

Higher level generosity is in one’s best interests. It is also in a nation’s self-interest. The United States of America has tried to be generous in certain critical situations. Recall that after World War II the United States of America provided millions of dollars to rebuild Europe and Japan. After the collapse of the economy of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1989 the USA also provided generous amounts of money and credit to help maintain a more democratic approach in Russia. Other countries of Europe and Asia have also contributed.

The cry of human need touches the soul of individuals, but also of nations. Some respond positively. Some seldom respond with contributions of compassion, activity or money. In some Third World countries the leader has dominated, oppressed and killed large numbers of people to maintain power. The world sees the problem but is often helpless when trying not to interfere.

By example individuals and nations set examples that help to upgrade the goodness and generosity this world needs.

UPGRADING GOODNESS IN THE INDIVIDUAL

Christian faith in human souls maintains and/or upgrades the Fruit of the Spirit “goodness” every day. When individuals believe in God’s optimum lifeskills, they become more like God. That is when most of the upgrading of human goodness and generosity take place.

We will look at upgrading spiritual GOODNESS in the following ways.

A. Upgrading GOODNESS (generosity) in the soul/PSYCHE

B. Upgrading GOODNESS in one’s SPIRITUAL value system

C. Upgrading GOODNESS (generosity) in the MIND

D. Upgrading GOODNESS (generosity) in the BODY

E. Upgrading GOODNESS interpersonally

SETTING THE STAGE

The figure on the left begins to set the stage for helping you understand why a person’s soul, your psyche, is the key to the upgrading of a person’s GOODNESS or generosity.

It is common knowledge that people are made up of BODY, MIND, and SPIRIT. For nearly 100 years we have understood that there is a another core dimension which we call PSYCHE, the Greek word for the soul.

When you read the Bible, you will often encounter the word “heart” and wonder how it fits with SOUL and SPIRIT. In the Bible the words HEART and SOUL are used interchangeably in many places. Essentially, the HEART is where the passions and emotions are. Persons who have analyzed the brain also know that certain emotions are active in the brain. Those memory sites of emotion in the brain are associated with the passions of the heart. Some of the connections are still unknown. We simply want to identify this so that we can help you see the need for the passions of the soul to become dominant.

The figure on the right shows the PSYCHE in three parts. SUPEREGO is the description of the system in our lives that helps shape what we “ought to do.” ID is the label of the system that tell us to do what we “want to do.” EGO is the mediator. EGO is the close approximation to the SOUL and HEART. The EGO is very similar to a computer which takes messages from all five of the dimensions of the person (pictured on the right). The EGO runs things. The EGO makes the final decisions. The EGO is in command.

When we go to the next series of points, you will begin to see how important it is to get the right messages to the EGO, the central core of HEART AND SOUL.

A. IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THE ID IMPULSES

CAN INCREASE GENEROSITY

This is an ID (“I want.), or impulse dominated person. From most of what we know there are “I want” demands made by our bodies and our memories. People are designed to return to what makes them feel good. If a person has learned to feel good from certain foods that person goes after those foods. If a person has learned to enjoy certain pleasures, the person is heavily influenced by enjoyable BODY / MIND experiences to go back to those former experiences. Once a person has the GENEROSITY pleasure primed and going, it may be easier to increase one’s generosity. However, the ID (‘I want”) impulse system of your PSYCHE will fight you from giving away what you what to keep for your own pleasure. Therefore, to upgrade GENEROSITY do not count on very much help from this style.

The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 describes the consequences of believing that the satisfaction of one’s ID (“I want.”) impulses will improve one’s chances for improvement, success, prosperity and happiness. The Prodigal Son’s ID (“I want.”) impulse system was like that pictured above. When people let this system dominate they set themselves up for trouble.

DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS?

A person will have great difficulty upgrading Fruit of the Spirit No. 6 “Goodness” (generosity) as long as the ID (“I want.”) impulse system is dominating. Describe a problem of someone you know who has been heavily dominated by impulses.

B. UNLIKELY THAT GENEROSITY CAN INCREASE

ITSELF IN THE MIND.

The MIND is not generally understood as a system that can increase itself without more input. The MIND stores information. The MIND processes and integrates information. The MIND can be tapped or contacted so that it’s memory and information may be integrated with other messages from the ID (“I want.”) impulse system. The MIND interacts with SPIRITUAL values and can be called upon to assist in plotting a course of action. But we generally do not think that the MIND is the source of action or the command center. The psyche (soul) is the core.

The Apostle Paul said, “I see another law at work in the members of my BODY, waging war against the law of my MIND, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin . . . In my MIND I want to be God’s willing servant but instead I find myself still enslaved to sin” (Romans 7:22 ff NIV and LB). The MIND does not have sufficient power by itself to make a person behave in accord with the optimum lifeskills God advocates for our own benefit.

“Who will rescue me . . . Thanks be to God — through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25 KJ). The Apostle Paul says that neither BODY nor MIND is of much help. Increased GOODNESS (GENEROSITY) can come about primarily when the soul is made generous by spiritual input. Generosity is a “Fruit of the Spirit.”

DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS?

You gain increased access to God’s optimum lifeskills (like goodness / generosity) by faith, not by MIND or BODY. Faith is a spiritual function, a belief function. Try to think of other possible ways that people try to increase their generosity.

C. UNLIKELY THAT YOU WILL UPGRADE

YOUR GENEROSITY THROUGH

SELF-GENERATED VALUES

The SPIRIT shown in this figure is not necessarily the HOLY SPIRIT. This SPIRIT is the breath of life that God breathes in humans. This SPIRIT is one’s value system. It is the value system that comes to people by being born in the image of God, but now fallen away and sinful. This SPIRIT is in all good people who still do not know GOD through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This SPIRIT is what people have from God by his common grace to all mankind. Paul alludes to this distinction of SPIRIT versus the HOLY SPIRIT in I Corinthians 2:12, “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God.”

The SPIRIT in the figure above is not famous for being divinely powerful to help people upgrade their goodness and generosity. This SPIRIT is NOT strongly noteworthy. It has moderate influence. It can be somewhat upgraded by study and by making comparisons in one’s learning and thinking. However, the bottom line is that this SPIRIT is less wise and less powerful than the Holy Spirit of God which, by faith, is more predominant in one’s psyche (soul). This SPIRIT (pictured in the diagram) takes its power or influence from whatever is in the core psyche (soul). The soul (psyche) needs to be programmed to assume control.

DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS?

You are being led to understand that the ultimate triumph in upgrading one’s generosity comes in having your psyche (soul) connected with God. Higher-level generosity and all its benefits, accumulate by living in union with God’s (Holy) Spirit.

4. UPGRADING GOODNESS (GENEROSITY)

IN ONE’S SOUL.

Several graphs in the first part of this study session have shown some statistical advantages for upgrading our generosity. Hopefully, those graphs helped you see some good reasons to increase the GOODNESS (generosity) in your life by increasing your soul’s contact with God’s wisdom about optimum lifeskills. While the information went to your MIND, hopefully you gained more passion in your PSYCHE, in your soul (See figure above.) for following God’s optimum lifestyle designs. The figure above intends to show you that if the graphic information of the first part of this chapter only went to your MIND, then your SOUL was cheated. The love for, or passion for being more spiritual and GENEROUS is the key. When Christians talk about how they “love the Lord” they are talking about their soul’s connection with God and His optimum lifeskills. If behavior does not change to being more GENEROUS, then there is a missing connection somewhere.

If you are a newcomer to the Christian faith, you may not have understood that GENEROSITY is more than money. You have probably heard and seen radio and television preachers asking for money. Some of us as Christians are somewhat embarrassed by certain fund-raising tactics. Nevertheless, God wants us to be GENEROUS for our own good as well as for our appreciation and for God’s glory. God promised that in several verses cited in the early part of this study session. GENEROSITY shows the nature of a person’s soul. The GENEROUS person has a soul that is more in tune with God. When you are more in tune with God you will be benefitted.

DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS?

We read in Psalm 107:9 KJ. “He (God) satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness (generosity).” How much effort do Christians need to exert to have a higher level of spirituality to have a higher level of generosity?

E. GENEROSITY UPGRADE BEGINS IN THE HEART.

CHRISTIANITY PUTS PEOPLE ON THE ROAD TO BENEFITS.

To gain the following benefits a person needs to find the SPIRIT to get above the 66th percentile. Scores in the lower average range (50th and above) will deliver a lower percentage of benefits. Here is a comparison between the top 100 persons in GENEROSITY versus the lower 100 persons in GENEROSITY. The top 100 persons with scores above the 66th percentile had,

46.9% more social interaction

43.2% more cheerfulness

54.0% more peacefulness

53.9% more patience

58.0% more kindness

51.2% more caring and giving

43.9% more faithfulness/trusting

30.8% more gentleness/assertiveness

41.9% more self-control

29.1% more fun-loving

23.1% more expressiveness

44.0% more influence

45.4% more emotional (ego) strength

5.3% higher grades

8.6% less job stress

21.8% less financial stress

36.8% less alcohol stress

6.8% less smoking stress

35% less risk of divorce

16% less explosive

15.3% less self-indulgent

16.7% less rebellious

Jesus said the same thing in his own words, “Give and it shall be given unto you, full measure, pressed down and running over” (Luke 6:38 KJ). “It is more blessed (beneficial) to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 KJ).

Many persons simply do not believe in the power of the higher levels of spirituality (Holy Spirit) to generate benefits. These persons have a lukewarm faith, without nerve, without determination to gain the benefits that are available. Yet, God’s formula and the results of this research show agreement. Spirituality starts in the psyche (soul). That spirituality bears fruit and shows up in less problematic behavior. So if a person nurtures his or her soul from the optimum source of truth, the Word of God in the Bible, that person gets the benefits built into that system.

MY COMMITMENT TO INCREASE MY GENEROSITY

1. Conversion turns my soul (psyche) around to generate goodwill to others. Conversion turns self-indulgence into generosity. Therefore, I need to,

a. Quit ___________ f. Send ________________

b. Start __________ g. Buy _________________

c. Think __________ h. Sell _________________

d. Do ____________ i. Invest _______________

e. Go ____________

2. I think generosity is observable in

---- one’s charitable contributions (How much?)

---- one’s lifeskills (Doing what?)

---- one’s conversations. (How can you tell?)

---- one’s choice of automobile and home

---- one’s family.

3. I was motivated by this study of “goodness - generosity” to,

THAT’S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS

LIFESKILLS TRAINING CENTER \| Home \| Ch.1. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF \| Christians believe in JOY and CHEERFULNESS \| Christians keep trying to be peaceful - Ch 3 in Lifeskills \| Christians keep trying to be PATIENCE and TOLERANT \| Random acts of kindness \| Christians believe in the generosity virtue \| Christians seek to be trusted persons \| Gentleness is a universal value \| Self control is a universal virtue
Click on arrows to read and print out chapters.	Christians believe in the generosity virtue No. 6 Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 In the book LIFESKILLS 101: Higher Core Values Winners Live by THE BIBLE AND SCIENCE The following information is cited to help each person understand the strength of the link between the truth from the Bible and the truth that is being researched by the social sciences. GOODNESS AND GENEROSITY IN SCIENCE AND CHRISTIANITY This research project is one of the most in-depth personality studies in religiously oriented scientific research. Personality scientists have been looking for optimum lifestyle factors for 5 or more decades. Historically, the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, c.1941) was the first major personality inventory that attempted to discover problematic personality characteristics. Quickly, other personality inventories followed. Each one was a scientific endeavor to separate the beneficial characteristics from their problem-producing counterparts, so that therapists could help persons with problems. Goodness was not listed at first by personality scientists. By the 1970's there were some synonyms of goodness in the developing lists: benevolence, altruism, nurturing, etc. Samuel Krug’s Psychware Sourcebook (1988 -1989) of 451 personality inventories does not expand the list of synonyms for goodness very much either. The word “generosity” is the closest identifiable parallel of “goodness,” “benevolence,” “altruism” and “nurturing,” are also words that the personality scientists use in their personality inventories. THE BRIDGE BETWEEN GOODNESS AND GENEROSITY Biblically, the Greek word for goodness is agathosune in the list of the Fruit(s) of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Agathosune in Greek is the noun form. Agathos in Greek is the adjective form, which is translated in English by “excellent,” “distinguished,” “upright,” “free from guile”, “acceptable to God,” “moral goodness” (Thayer’s Lexicon). Agathosune is used only 4 times (Romans 15:14; Ephesians 5:9; II Thessalonians 1:11; Galatians 5:22). In these verses it is translated mostly by “good(ness)” or “good resolve.” However, in the Analytical Greek Lexicon the authors say agathosune is translated by “goodness,” “virtue,” “beneficence” (benevolence). (The Lexicon refers to the Septuagint (Greek Bible) for this information on agathosune.) The New Revised Standard Version and the Phillips version both translate goodness by “generosity.” GOODNESS is a higher level of character than GENEROSITY, but includes a substantial amount of the “generosity,” “nurturing” and “ altruism”; These three words (concepts) are believed by most social science efforts to be more positively-oriented optimum lifestyle virtues. The bridge or link between the Biblical concept of this Fruit of the Spirit and the social sciences concept is the word “generosity.” This is about the best connection that can be made. We need to acknowledge that Christianity appears to hold to a higher level of the “goodness” character trait than is commonly understood by the social sciences. OVERVIEW GOODNESS IN TERMS OF GENEROSITY Goodness is a mark of character. A high compliment is, “S/he is really a good person.” Greek agathosune is goodness, generosity, beneficence. Godly generosity flows from the soul. GOODNESS / GENEROSITY VERSUS SELF-INDULGENCE God is the ultimate standard of goodness. Goodness in terms of generosity is opposite self-indulgence. Goodness is an antidote to self-indulgence. Goodness is part of a higher level of optimum lifeskills. GOODNESS TO OTHERS AS ONE’S BEST SELF-INTEREST “It is more beneficial to give than receive.” Acts 20:35 KJ “A generous person prospers.” Proverbs 11:25 KJ “Good deeds are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Titus 3:8 KJ “Give and it shall be given unto you...” Luke 8:38 KJ “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing.” Proverbs 28:27 KJ THE KEY THEME OF THIS MATERIAL Persons who profess a belief in Jesus Christ, trust God’s Holy Spirit to work in their souls (psyche) and bring about elevated levels of Fruit(s) of the Spirit. Higher levels of Fruit(s) of the Spirit do not always occur automatically as a result of faith. BEFORE WE GO FURTHER, IT MAY BE HELPFUL TO KNOW WHAT LEVEL OF “GOODNESS” (generosity) WE LIVE AT. HIGH “GOODNESS” (in the form of generosity, benevolence) IS AT THE TOP, BUT BEING MALEVOLENT, RANCOROUS, CHURLISH IS AT THE OTHER END, THE BOTTOM. TO FIND OUT WHERE WE STAND BETWEEN THE SYMPTOMS OF “GOODNESS” AND THE SYMPTOMS OF SELF-CENTERED STINGINESS, EACH OF YOU IS BEING OFFERED A TEST TO SEE WHERE YOU ARE IN THAT SPECTRUM. HERE IS THAT TEST. PART 1 YOU CAN USE THIS SET OF QUESTIONS TO MEASURE YOUR GENEROSITY LEVEL ACCORDING TO A CROSS SECTION OF PEOPLE. Pick out the most appropriate response. Write the number of that response in the space provided by that statement. 0=Never, 1=Rarely, 2=Occasionally, 3=Sometimes, 4=Frequently, 5=Almost always 51. I am a generous person. 52. I do things for persons other than my family. 53. I help friends and neighbors without pay. 54. I make sure other’s needs are met before my own. 55. I make contributions to a number of good causes. 56. I buy cards or novelties or mementoes for my friends. 57. My family and friends would say that I am generous. 58. I contribute to worthy causes more than others my age. 59. I give adequate time to my loved ones. 60. At home or on the job, I give more energy than others. TOTAL (This is Segment No. 6 of Darrell Franken’s Christian Personality Profile built around the Fruit(s) of the Spirit. These questions are a synthesis of the questions found in 39 major published tests. Keep your answers to yourself.) Take the TOTAL and go to the next page. Find the TOTAL which is on the left side of the column. “Persons with the highest ethics are the most likely to succeed.” Sir William Templeton at Hope College, Holland, Michigan, 1997 CONVERSION OF RAW SCORES TO PERCENTILE SCORES Find your raw score in the left column, and the score next to it will be your percentile score. The percentile is your score in relation to a cross section of the general population. (Raw-%) 1=1 11=1 21=6 31=35 41=83 2=1 12=1 22=7 32=40 42=87 3=1 13=1 23=8 33=45 43=90 4=1 14=1 24=9 34=50 44=92 5=1 15=2 25=10 35=55 45=94 6=1 16=2 26=13 36=60 46=96 7=1 17=3 27=17 37=65 47=97 8=1 18=3 28=20 38=70 48=98 9=1 19=4 29=25 39=75 49=99 10=1 20=5 30=30 40=80 50=99 (Example: If your raw score is 42, then your percentile score is 87, which means that only 13 out of 100 persons are more “Generous” than you -- plus or minus about 5% points.) The purpose of this kind of self-evaluation is to help you set proper goals. If your score made you a bit embarrassed, count your blessings. Now you know what to do go gain some of the larger benefits of optimum lifeskills. Generosity is only part of the larger idea of what is “goodness.” “Our dependence on Divine providence is a firm and lively faith that God can and will help us.” Mother Teresa REMEMBER YOUR PERCENTILE SCORE. YOU WILL BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO SEE A PREDICTION OR TWO ON THE BASIS OF THAT SCORE. MAKING A PREDICTION ABOUT YOUR FUTURE LEVEL OF STRESS IN RELATION TO YOUR GENEROSITY FIND YOUR “GENEROSITY” SCORE ON THE SOLID LINE. Your projected average “STRESS” level is just above or below it. The predictive validity is between 75% and 85%. Increasing a “Generous” attitude toward life, puts THE GRAPH VERIFIES ONE OF THE PROMISES OF GOD IN THE BIBLE. FINANCIAL STRESS DROPS 26% FOR THE TOP-SCORING 10% OF PEOPLE WHO ARE COMPARED TO THE BOTTOM-SCORING 10% OF THE PEOPLE. Take at look at this verse in the Bible. “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will he pour into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back” (Luke 6:38 RSV). The statistics show that “prosperity” and “generosity” are associated with each other. Sir John Templeton, founder of the Templeton Funds and the Templeton Foundation has been awarding a $1,000,000 annual prize ($1,500,000 in the later 1990's) for the promotion of religion worldwide. Some of his awards have gone to the scientific investigation of the benefits of religion in the world. Mr. Templeton began being charitable when he got his first job. He gave 10% of his income. That is tithing. He always has contributed 10%. Now at age 85 he is giving away millions each year. Recently, while holding meetings in our city he said that he has “never seen a tithing person who wasn’t prosperous.” In this statement we see his passion for being generous. DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS? It is not really rational to say that generosity causes prosperity, or that prosperity causes generosity. However, discuss how the chart above might support the proposition that there is a greater degree of probability that an inner attitude of goodness / generosity might contribute to decreased financial stress. GENEROSITY ASSOCIATED WITH PROSPERITY. THE CHART SHOWS AN INVERSE OR OPPOSITE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN GENEROSITY AND SELF-INDULGENCE. IT IS NOT NECESSARILY A DIRECT CAUSE-EFFECT CONNECTION. There may be another cause, outside of these two, affecting these two lifestyle factors in this way. Self-indulgence takes a dive when Fruit of the Spirit No. 6 passes the 90th percentile, where generosity is highest. Higher-level generous persons (top 30 persons from 270-300 above) in the top 10 percentiles have approximately one-third of a factor called “self-indulgence,” as compared to the lower generous persons (low 30 persons from 1-30). “Self-indulgence” has many forms. Some self-indulgent behaviors, like watching certain types of television, are not as costly as others, but may be harmful. It may be too presumptuous to put alcohol and smoking in the category of “self-indulgence,” but look at these figures. The research identified alcohol consumption and smoking as lower in those who have higher scores in GENEROSITY. It can be shown that higher alcohol and smoking symptoms drop to about one-third for persons with higher levels of GENEROSITY (goodness). The precise cost savings might not be known over a lifetime. However, let’s say that cigarette consumption is reduced from 2 packages a day to 1 package a day. A reduction of one package of cigarettes a day for 50 years is now calculated, based on $3.50 cents per package, to be $63,875 for those 50 years. If alcohol consumption were similarly reduced the cost savings in 50 years would be doubled to $127,750. If that $7.00 were deposited weekly, the person could be a millionaire, or more, after 50 years. self-indulgence wastes money. God knows that. Follow God and become a millionaire! DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS? Discuss the problem of deciding to be more generous, thinking it will produce a greater prosperity. GENEROSITY COMES OUT OF ONE’S HEART THE GRAPH SHOWS AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INCREASING LEVELS OF GENEROSITY AND SELF-CONTROL, BOTH FRUIT(S) OF THE SPIRIT. Since we cannot say that one causes the other, we need to understand that something(s) other than these two are prompting both to rise somewhat proportionally to each other. Sir John Templeton told an audience of 200 local business persons about his and his wife’s first apartment in New York. Over 50 years ago it cost him $50.00 per month, unfurnished. Together, he and his wife earned $250.00 a month. They put half of it into the stock market on Wall Street where he worked. This Harvard educated Rhodes Scholar furnished his apartment with furniture sold or abandoned by other tenants who moved out of his apartment house. This seems to indicate that the Templetons were not basically self-indulgent people. Over time the Templetons amassed a large amount of money which they are now distributing to charitable causes. It appears that the Templetons have some inner values that have contributed to their character and current generosity. The Templetons have been making a statement (like the widow’s mite) about their spiritual values and their passions for optimum lifeskills. They believed in self-control. They believe in generosity. Jesus once embarrassed the rich leaders of his day. He called their attention to a widow who was being very generous. He noticed that she was giving “two mites.” Her two copper coins were, by comparison, more than all the wealth the rich had contributed. “She out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:2). Her gift was a statement of her values and her belief that prosperity and GENEROSITY are connected. DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS? “He who sows bountifully, shall also reap bountifully” II Corinthians 9:6. This is a promise from the Bible. How realistic is it in our day? GENEROSITY AND HEALTH BENEFITS THE CHART COMPARES THE TOP 30 PERSONS’ GENEROSITY WITH THE 30 LOWEST SCORING PERSONS IN “GENEROSITY.” THE LOW SCORING 30 PERSONS HAD 277% MORE DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL. Scientifically, we need to be cautious about any direct and singular connection between GENEROSITY and health. One cannot conclude that raising generosity by itself will result in fewer Days in the Hospital. However, there is a repeating assurance in the Word of God that spirituality and God’s higher Fruit(s) of the Spirit produce better health and general well-being. God has revealed that to us in His Word, the Bible. God says, “My son, attend to my words . . . for they are life unto those who find them and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:22 KJ). This corresponds to the research. God’s higher level Fruit(s) of the Spirit continually show up along side of positive health indicators. In this case higher GENEROSITY (as a part of GOODNESS) corresponds to a higher health factor, namely fewer Days in the Hospital. The Old Testament is a record of cycle after cycle of the Israelites (Jews) righteousness and prosperity followed by cycles of departure from righteousness with consequent pain and suffering. The theme of many of the prophets writings in the Old Testament is one of connecting righteousness with benefits from God. That model appears to be substantiated by the research reported here. DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS? There is an accumulation of associations between “generosity” and well-being. What is the driving force that is making this happen? GENEROSITY AND PROSPERITY THE TALLEST BAR (LEFT) SHOWS 210 DAYS OF ABSENCE FOR THE 10 WORST SCORERS IN GENEROSITY (average in12th percentile). ON THE RIGHT THERE WAS ONE DAY ABSENT BY THE 10 PERSONS AVERAGING IN THE 91ST PERCENTILE OF GENEROSITY. The most extremely non-generous persons averaged 12 days of absenteeism per year. Now let’s calculate how much poorer they can be, because of lack of generosity. If they miss those twelve days of work per year and do not get paid, they miss about $60.00 to $100.00 per day of pay and benefits, minimum. That is a loss of $720.00 to $1200.00 per year. In a lifetime of 50 years of work, each of these 10 persons average missing $36,000 to $60,000 in a lifetime of 50 years of work. Now consider inflation, and consider the person is making double what we have calculated here. That approaches an absenteeism loss of somewhere in between $120,000 and $250,000 or one-quarter of a million dollars, over a lifetime of low-generosity. This happens, on the average, to the absolutely lowest scorers in GENEROSITY. Of course you won’t save all that money simply by becoming “generous.” A person will need to raise the level of more Fruit(s) of the Spirit than just GENEROSITY to get that one-quarter million dollars. The worst offenders in absenteeism (highest bar on left) have many other lower-level scores in many other factors in their lives. But the statistics partially substantiate the truth of the promise of God. “A generous person prospers” (Proverbs 11:25). DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS? Your author is exuberant and rejoices that the truth from a scientific pursuit (epidemiological research) corresponds in a large measure with the truth that God revealed. How capable of rejoicing are you? If you haven’t joined the party, it time! PROSPERITY AS INCREASED WELL-BEING REVIEW: THE CHART SHOWS GENEROSITY (GOODNESS) AS THE HIGHEST VERTICAL BAR. IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY 8 OTHER HIGHER-LEVEL FRUIT(S) OF THE SPIRIT. THIS COMBINATION GENERATES HIGHER-LEVEL PROSPERITY. Shu Yeng Shih became a Christian in Taiwan in the late 1980's or early 1990's. She gave a testimony while attending a theological seminary in Holland, Michigan. She said, “When missionaries came to Taiwan with the Gospel (mid 19th century), the first generation of Christians (most of them) were poor. Now, after five generations those Christian families are blessed in their economic situation, because most of them are professionals and businessmen. This is God’s material blessing, that comes when people “Love the Lord.” After her testimony she indicated that most converts to Christianity do so at a time when they are very poor. She said it takes an average of about three generations for a new believer’s family to become prosperous. Even then some prosper very little, and others prosper much more and in different ways. Shu Yeng Shih sees a strong connection between higher-level spirituality and overall well-being, which may include financial prosperity. Godly persons bear “Fruit(s) of the Spirit,” one of which is “goodness,” akin to GENEROSITY. That was true in the Old Testament too. “If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures” (Job 36:11 KJ). — “They shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6 KJ). — “Blessed (benefitted) is the (person) . . . his delight is in the law of the Lord . . . in all that he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3 KJ). DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS? Are you making a stronger and stronger commitment? PART 2 UPGRADING LOW GENEROSITY Higher level generosity is in one’s best interests. It is also in a nation’s self-interest. The United States of America has tried to be generous in certain critical situations. Recall that after World War II the United States of America provided millions of dollars to rebuild Europe and Japan. After the collapse of the economy of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1989 the USA also provided generous amounts of money and credit to help maintain a more democratic approach in Russia. Other countries of Europe and Asia have also contributed. The cry of human need touches the soul of individuals, but also of nations. Some respond positively. Some seldom respond with contributions of compassion, activity or money. In some Third World countries the leader has dominated, oppressed and killed large numbers of people to maintain power. The world sees the problem but is often helpless when trying not to interfere. By example individuals and nations set examples that help to upgrade the goodness and generosity this world needs. UPGRADING GOODNESS IN THE INDIVIDUAL Christian faith in human souls maintains and/or upgrades the Fruit of the Spirit “goodness” every day. When individuals believe in God’s optimum lifeskills, they become more like God. That is when most of the upgrading of human goodness and generosity take place. We will look at upgrading spiritual GOODNESS in the following ways. A. Upgrading GOODNESS (generosity) in the soul/PSYCHE B. Upgrading GOODNESS in one’s SPIRITUAL value system C. Upgrading GOODNESS (generosity) in the MIND D. Upgrading GOODNESS (generosity) in the BODY E. Upgrading GOODNESS interpersonally SETTING THE STAGE The figure on the left begins to set the stage for helping you understand why a person’s soul, your psyche, is the key to the upgrading of a person’s GOODNESS or generosity. It is common knowledge that people are made up of BODY, MIND, and SPIRIT. For nearly 100 years we have understood that there is a another core dimension which we call PSYCHE, the Greek word for the soul. When you read the Bible, you will often encounter the word “heart” and wonder how it fits with SOUL and SPIRIT. In the Bible the words HEART and SOUL are used interchangeably in many places. Essentially, the HEART is where the passions and emotions are. Persons who have analyzed the brain also know that certain emotions are active in the brain. Those memory sites of emotion in the brain are associated with the passions of the heart. Some of the connections are still unknown. We simply want to identify this so that we can help you see the need for the passions of the soul to become dominant. The figure on the right shows the PSYCHE in three parts. SUPEREGO is the description of the system in our lives that helps shape what we “ought to do.” ID is the label of the system that tell us to do what we “want to do.” EGO is the mediator. EGO is the close approximation to the SOUL and HEART. The EGO is very similar to a computer which takes messages from all five of the dimensions of the person (pictured on the right). The EGO runs things. The EGO makes the final decisions. The EGO is in command. When we go to the next series of points, you will begin to see how important it is to get the right messages to the EGO, the central core of HEART AND SOUL. A. IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THE ID IMPULSES CAN INCREASE GENEROSITY This is an ID (“I want.), or impulse dominated person. From most of what we know there are “I want” demands made by our bodies and our memories. People are designed to return to what makes them feel good. If a person has learned to feel good from certain foods that person goes after those foods. If a person has learned to enjoy certain pleasures, the person is heavily influenced by enjoyable BODY / MIND experiences to go back to those former experiences. Once a person has the GENEROSITY pleasure primed and going, it may be easier to increase one’s generosity. However, the ID (‘I want”) impulse system of your PSYCHE will fight you from giving away what you what to keep for your own pleasure. Therefore, to upgrade GENEROSITY do not count on very much help from this style. The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 describes the consequences of believing that the satisfaction of one’s ID (“I want.”) impulses will improve one’s chances for improvement, success, prosperity and happiness. The Prodigal Son’s ID (“I want.”) impulse system was like that pictured above. When people let this system dominate they set themselves up for trouble. DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS? A person will have great difficulty upgrading Fruit of the Spirit No. 6 “Goodness” (generosity) as long as the ID (“I want.”) impulse system is dominating. Describe a problem of someone you know who has been heavily dominated by impulses. B. UNLIKELY THAT GENEROSITY CAN INCREASE ITSELF IN THE MIND. The MIND is not generally understood as a system that can increase itself without more input. The MIND stores information. The MIND processes and integrates information. The MIND can be tapped or contacted so that it’s memory and information may be integrated with other messages from the ID (“I want.”) impulse system. The MIND interacts with SPIRITUAL values and can be called upon to assist in plotting a course of action. But we generally do not think that the MIND is the source of action or the command center. The psyche (soul) is the core. The Apostle Paul said, “I see another law at work in the members of my BODY, waging war against the law of my MIND, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin . . . In my MIND I want to be God’s willing servant but instead I find myself still enslaved to sin” (Romans 7:22 ff NIV and LB). The MIND does not have sufficient power by itself to make a person behave in accord with the optimum lifeskills God advocates for our own benefit. “Who will rescue me . . . Thanks be to God — through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25 KJ). The Apostle Paul says that neither BODY nor MIND is of much help. Increased GOODNESS (GENEROSITY) can come about primarily when the soul is made generous by spiritual input. Generosity is a “Fruit of the Spirit.” DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS? You gain increased access to God’s optimum lifeskills (like goodness / generosity) by faith, not by MIND or BODY. Faith is a spiritual function, a belief function. Try to think of other possible ways that people try to increase their generosity. C. UNLIKELY THAT YOU WILL UPGRADE YOUR GENEROSITY THROUGH SELF-GENERATED VALUES The SPIRIT shown in this figure is not necessarily the HOLY SPIRIT. This SPIRIT is the breath of life that God breathes in humans. This SPIRIT is one’s value system. It is the value system that comes to people by being born in the image of God, but now fallen away and sinful. This SPIRIT is in all good people who still do not know GOD through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This SPIRIT is what people have from God by his common grace to all mankind. Paul alludes to this distinction of SPIRIT versus the HOLY SPIRIT in I Corinthians 2:12, “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God.” The SPIRIT in the figure above is not famous for being divinely powerful to help people upgrade their goodness and generosity. This SPIRIT is NOT strongly noteworthy. It has moderate influence. It can be somewhat upgraded by study and by making comparisons in one’s learning and thinking. However, the bottom line is that this SPIRIT is less wise and less powerful than the Holy Spirit of God which, by faith, is more predominant in one’s psyche (soul). This SPIRIT (pictured in the diagram) takes its power or influence from whatever is in the core psyche (soul). The soul (psyche) needs to be programmed to assume control. DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS? You are being led to understand that the ultimate triumph in upgrading one’s generosity comes in having your psyche (soul) connected with God. Higher-level generosity and all its benefits, accumulate by living in union with God’s (Holy) Spirit. 4. UPGRADING GOODNESS (GENEROSITY) IN ONE’S SOUL. Several graphs in the first part of this study session have shown some statistical advantages for upgrading our generosity. Hopefully, those graphs helped you see some good reasons to increase the GOODNESS (generosity) in your life by increasing your soul’s contact with God’s wisdom about optimum lifeskills. While the information went to your MIND, hopefully you gained more passion in your PSYCHE, in your soul (See figure above.) for following God’s optimum lifestyle designs. The figure above intends to show you that if the graphic information of the first part of this chapter only went to your MIND, then your SOUL was cheated. The love for, or passion for being more spiritual and GENEROUS is the key. When Christians talk about how they “love the Lord” they are talking about their soul’s connection with God and His optimum lifeskills. If behavior does not change to being more GENEROUS, then there is a missing connection somewhere. If you are a newcomer to the Christian faith, you may not have understood that GENEROSITY is more than money. You have probably heard and seen radio and television preachers asking for money. Some of us as Christians are somewhat embarrassed by certain fund-raising tactics. Nevertheless, God wants us to be GENEROUS for our own good as well as for our appreciation and for God’s glory. God promised that in several verses cited in the early part of this study session. GENEROSITY shows the nature of a person’s soul. The GENEROUS person has a soul that is more in tune with God. When you are more in tune with God you will be benefitted. DISCUSS YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS? We read in Psalm 107:9 KJ. “He (God) satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness (generosity).” How much effort do Christians need to exert to have a higher level of spirituality to have a higher level of generosity? E. GENEROSITY UPGRADE BEGINS IN THE HEART. CHRISTIANITY PUTS PEOPLE ON THE ROAD TO BENEFITS. To gain the following benefits a person needs to find the SPIRIT to get above the 66th percentile. Scores in the lower average range (50th and above) will deliver a lower percentage of benefits. Here is a comparison between the top 100 persons in GENEROSITY versus the lower 100 persons in GENEROSITY. The top 100 persons with scores above the 66th percentile had, 46.9% more social interaction 43.2% more cheerfulness 54.0% more peacefulness 53.9% more patience 58.0% more kindness 51.2% more caring and giving 43.9% more faithfulness/trusting 30.8% more gentleness/assertiveness 41.9% more self-control 29.1% more fun-loving 23.1% more expressiveness 44.0% more influence 45.4% more emotional (ego) strength 5.3% higher grades 8.6% less job stress 21.8% less financial stress 36.8% less alcohol stress 6.8% less smoking stress 35% less risk of divorce 16% less explosive 15.3% less self-indulgent 16.7% less rebellious Jesus said the same thing in his own words, “Give and it shall be given unto you, full measure, pressed down and running over” (Luke 6:38 KJ). “It is more blessed (beneficial) to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 KJ). Many persons simply do not believe in the power of the higher levels of spirituality (Holy Spirit) to generate benefits. These persons have a lukewarm faith, without nerve, without determination to gain the benefits that are available. Yet, God’s formula and the results of this research show agreement. Spirituality starts in the psyche (soul). That spirituality bears fruit and shows up in less problematic behavior. So if a person nurtures his or her soul from the optimum source of truth, the Word of God in the Bible, that person gets the benefits built into that system. MY COMMITMENT TO INCREASE MY GENEROSITY 1. Conversion turns my soul (psyche) around to generate goodwill to others. Conversion turns self-indulgence into generosity. Therefore, I need to, a. Quit ___________ f. Send ________________ b. Start __________ g. Buy _________________ c. Think __________ h. Sell _________________ d. Do ____________ i. Invest _______________ e. Go ____________ 2. I think generosity is observable in ---- one’s charitable contributions (How much?) ---- one’s lifeskills (Doing what?) ---- one’s conversations. (How can you tell?) ---- one’s choice of automobile and home ---- one’s family. 3. I was motivated by this study of “goodness - generosity” to, THAT’S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS	This book may be purchased ------- Click on this pircure to pay through PayPal, a secure server.