Review: "Surplus"

            I like to give.  I especially like to give to the church and the people of the church.  I especially look for good books to give to others.  As Richard Baxter commends, “There is nothing better a minister can do than to give good books to his people.”

            On the other hand, I wonder how God wants us to prepare for the future and eventualities of not being able to do the work we once did – especially in a world where not even the church folk are as close and supportive as they once were – as we ought to be.

            I read Surplus:  Fearless Generosity in 2 Corinthians 8-9, by Bryan Elliff, in two sittings on the same day.  It is short, convicting, joyful, and very readable.

            As the title suggests, Elliff explains the context and meaning of 2 Corinthians 8-9 and applies it to the modern Christian.

            As the reader might know – this section of 2 Corinthians is Paul asking the Corinthians to be prepared for his arrival and his taking of the collection of an offering for the church in Jerusalem which is suffering – and Paul relates some of the giving that has been done thus far.

            Elliff explains that God gives us all that we need, plus a surplus to give to others.  He shows that what we have is a grace from God and we give as a grace to others (Ch. 2).

            What is most important – as we tend to highlight in this passage while ripping it out of context – is that we are to give with the right heart attitude – and God has gifted us – graced us – with a surplus another needs that we may share that grace and meet that need.  “Paul’s big idea is that theses churches should pursue equality in times of acute need by using their surplus to remedy the deficits of others” (31).

            He is not suggesting socialism.  He is suggesting that everyone’s needs ought to be met through the gifts and grace God gives.  God gives the surplus that we may have joy is filling a need.

            Elliff tells of John Wesley and George Mueller who did not believe we are to save for ourselves or future generations but are to fill our needs and give the rest away.  Elliff admits that he is still wrestling with whether this is a biblical norm or a gift of certain people (37).

            Chapter four looks at the integrity needed in giving.

            Chapter five looks at what it means to not give begrudgingly or under compulsion.

            In chapter six, Elliff argues that the text tells us that if we are as generous as God has been with us, “we will never lack supply, both for our needs and for continuing acts of liberality” (68).

            “But now comes the truly remarkable reality.  Not only will you be provided with enough seed for planting, your seed planting will be multiplied.  For every one bag of seed you go out to plant, there will be more bags waiting to be planted.  In other words, the more you give, the more you will have to give” (69, emphasis his).

            Don’t misunderstand:  the multiplying is not for us to store up, save, or hoard.  The multiplying is only for giving to others.

            Chapter seven looks at how gifts communicate something – how they can build fellowship.

            The book ends with a chapter considering the indescribable gift all Christians have received in Jesus.

            Each chapter ends with study and/or group questions.

            The book ends with the text of 2 Corinthians 8-9 for review and meditation.

            This book reinvigorated me and my desire to give more.  Though, I admit, I still struggle with knowing what is biblically right with regards to saving.  For now, I will pray and be and wise and liberal in my giving to the glory of God and in thanks for His grace.

            You need to read this book.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]