Generosity encompasses how we manage all of our resources, to include time, talents, and other possessions, but this introduction is about the very first thing most of us think about when the word generosity comes up, money. We’ve all seen the commercials – “Two tickets to the ballgame, $28; two hotdogs, two bags of popcorn, and two sodas, $18; One autographed baseball, $45; real conversation with 11-year-old son, PRICELESS.  There are some things money can’t buy.” These commercials offer great comparisons that actually cause us to stop and think. And speaking of comparisons that make us stop and think, here in America (when we stop and think), we are rich in comparison to most of the world.  Without going into detail on the quotes and numbers about food, clothing, transportation, and a roof over our heads, we really are wealthy.  You may consider yourself “middle class,” (that’s what I’ve told myself many times) but in this room, we are rich by the standards of our world. Nevertheless, we are often tempted to think that we would be more generous if we had more money.  And likewise, we also tend to think rich people are the ones who are able to be more generous. You’ve heard it said that “money is the root of all evil.” What the Apostle Paul actually said was, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”  Money can certainly do a lot of good, but the love of money can be dangerous. Some of the pitfalls possible in striving for great wealth are arrogance, greed, self-indulgence, and disregard for the needs of others. Generosity is actually the way to break the potentially harmful hold of money on our lives.  John Wesley said, “When I have money, I get rid of it quickly, lest it find a way into my heart.”  Francis Bacon said it a little differently.  He said, “Money is like manure. It’s not good unless it is spread around.” Over the years, I’ve learned… that rich people aren’t necessarily generous, but generous people are always generous. It is possible to be generous with ten dollars and stingy with ten million.  Generosity comes in many shapes and forms.  Generous people give… to great charities, churches, and children’s hospitals… Generosity truly changes lives, not only for the receivers, but also for the givers. We’ve all heard, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (with small or large amounts).  And it’s been my experience that when we get our attitude towards money sorted out, it helps sort out almost every other area of our lives.  I’ve noticed again and again that generous people, whether of wealthy or meager means, are almost always rich in kindness, in goodness, in love, joy, peace, and in… well… all those things that are truly priceless… all those things that money can’t buy.