“But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
(2 Corinthians 8:7-9 ESV)

Simply said, a self absorbed life is not going to stand as a powerful witness for Christ. The proof of grace at work in us comes in the living. If we live generously, thinking first of others, then God’s handiwork in us is obvious. If we are constantly thinking of our own wants over the needs of others, then that heart and attitude will be obvious as well.

If Christ, as our example, gave everything up for us, then we should see the same mindset at work in our own lives. The closer we grow to Christ, walking in His footsteps, the less we identify with the world and its priorities.
The less we identify with the world, the less concern we have for material goods and temporary pleasures. Our eyes and hearts focused heavenward, we live today and every day understanding that there is no need to accumulate/hoard wealth for ourselves here. There is no harm in having a good paying job and saving your money in a responsible way. But the generosity of spirit that comes with our salvation does not coincide with the hoarding of wealth, and selfish stockpiling. If we have extra, we should use it to bless others through the church and through daily, individual ministry. If we do not have extra, give to God first and then use what else you have to meet your needs so that you do not put yourself above Him. Rich or poor, we still acknowledge God as the giver of everything we have in the brief moments of our life.

What good does a massive house and expensive car do for us if we do not take the call to GoLove others in the Name of Jesus seriously? What benefit is there to living extravagantly if we do not share the grace given to us.

We must see beyond this world and into eternity if we are going to live grace and generosity. This world is not our home and we do not invest in what will one day become so much dust. Instead, living out of tee grace given richly to us, we die to self and live as Christ. In doing so, we glorify God and draw others to Him.