I try to be generous when I hear about causes and issues that need money. Mind you, I'm not extravagant, nor do I give to every cause I hear about. I'm rather picky actually.
As hear the Salvation Army bells, read year-end letters asking for one more "tax-deductible" gift, and watching many people struggling in a down economy, my desire grows. I want to help, but how? Who should I help? How much should I give?
Sometimes I have "misgiving giving." Whenever I am haphazard (have no plan), ignorant of how trustworthy the organization is, or when I am wondering if this will keep me from fulfilling my prior donation commitments. I'm also uneasy whenever I feel manipulated or made to feel guilty by people asking me for money. I want to enjoy giving!
So here are some Generosity Practices I try to live out, based on 2 Corinthians 8:1-5:
1. Don't dwell on my circumstances- I will never have enough money to give away, nor do I never have any money to give away. Generosity is not about how much I have.
2. Give according to my ability- I can't wait for a financial windfall to become generous. God is asking me what I'm going to do with what I already have. My pledges and gifts must be worked out within my current budget.
3. Give beyond my ability- Even the poorest person can be generous. I need to be willing to give "beyond my abilities" and watch how God enables me to do it! I must be willing to become financially poor in order for others to become spiritually rich.
4. Give to trustworthy people- If I don't trust you, I won't give to you. You may be a great person. Your organization may be the best solution to a current problem. But, I need to know you a bit, to trust you with my money!
That said, I start my giving by contributing at least 10% to my local church. Here are some reasons why:
1. I believe God tells us in Malachi 3:10 to give a tithe (10th or 10%) to the "storehouse" and test whether or not He will bless us. I have and He has! My storehouse is the local church, the place I get "fed" so to speak.
2. Jesus said "I will build my church" in Matthew 16:18. I want in on what Jesus is doing!
3. Trust- I believe in my church, her vision, the people, the leadership, and God's ability to use our church to fulfill His purposes
4. Our church focused locally and globally- we give away at least 10% to missions beyond ourselves.
5. Fun- I enjoy watching God use my money to help people spiritually and physically!
6. Helps me grow- I trust God more when I give, and I appreciate the accountability to our church to ensure I am keeping up to date in my giving obedience to God. That little "giving report" I receive at the end of the year reminds me of how well I am staying committed to this.
In conclusion, here are the steps I go through when starting to give:
1. Give myself to God first! Pray, read God's Word, remember that He owns everything and I am simply His manager of the resources He gave me.
2. Give to trustworthy causes- do my homework
3. Give voluntarily- 2 Corinthians 9:7 says to give as I have determined in my heart, and to give cheerfully!
4. Start with what I already have- I need to plan my giving into my current budget, according to what I have right now
5. Live for spiritual riches- 2 Corinthians 8:9 says Jesus became poor so that I might become rich! Giving to meet people's needs physically and spiritually in Christ's name is the only investment with an eternal reward.
Give generously and be blessed!
