why i give... reason #1
I intend to do a series of posts on the reasons i personally think giving is a habit worth taking up. And they aren't necessarily a bunch of Biblical reasons either, so don't expect too much. Just something i keep feeling compelled to share. a little background first.
I just started to become a giver about a year ago. Before that i gave a little something here or there because i either felt like i HAD to or because i felt guilty about not doing it. after all, i'm a "spiritual leader" how can i NOT give?
I actually had a host of reasons... "i already give so much of my time to God's work"... "I gave 8 years of my life in education for this"... "people who HAVE money should be the ones giving, not people like me"... "my family is young, maybe i can give when i'm older and more established"... i could go on.
But then something in me changed. God opened my eyes to see giving in a different light, not as an obligation but as an opportunity, a response, an act of faith... [don't want to give it all away too soon!]
My intention is to share with you, not how great i am, because truth be told I still struggle with this, a LOT! but that's why i want to share, as one who is in the trenches stuggling along with many of you on this issue. And in fact it wouldn't surprise me in the least if some of you were much further along in this than i am...
Though I do confess that part of this is self-serving. Writing these things is a good reminder for me on keeping the right heart when it comes to giving. because i find that it's really easy to lose it. hopefully that's an adequate introduction, now you ready? here we go....
Reason # 1: I give because i think generosity is beautiful.
maybe not a deeply theological reason, but let me tell you, this motivates me! God has put MANY generous people in my life, people who have floored me by their ability to give sacrificially and selflessly. In a world filled with the ugliness of people who are looking out for themselves and who are holding on to as much as they can, generous people are astoundingly, shockingly beautiful. Think of someone in your life who is generous, doesn't it add something lovely to your existence?
at his core God is generous too, and that's part of the reason he is beautiful. He gives of himself deeply, consistently... he doesn't have to but he does. i find that irresistable.
But honestly seeing other humans do it, witnessing it from afar, even being the recipient of it, it flipped a switch in me. And confronted me with a simple question...
"Do i want to be someone who adds beauty to the world or do i want to perpetuate the ugliness of greed?"
maybe it's a shallow reason, but you have to admit, there's something to it, isn't there? isn't generosity beautiful?
posted by Dion @ 2/22/2006 06:23:00 PM
14 Comments
14 Comments:
I'm one who struggles with giving as well. I don't make too great of an amount of money at my job so i usually don't think about giving and usually just "let the plate pass". But i really think this post series is a good idea and I'm hoping it will help me a little to start me on a path of giving. =)
I remember a million discussions I have had with people about giving. Most, have talked about how we should to it because God gave to us or that we are supposed to give because the bible says so. The conversations wen't no deeper than that.
I like this. Talking about many of the other reasons people in the church all too often avoid.
It is comforting to read of another "church worker" who has this battle. I totally relate to the comments regarding the GIVING that we already do, although not monetary. My spouse is much more mature in this area, which is good. I think it help us stay balanced, but I still have the same inner struggle.
One question that has always been a great reminder for me is the following: Is it possible to outgive God?
That is an amazing concept when you really think about it. It's almost a challenge...go ahead, try it! Try and outgive me, the Lord says. What an impossible challenge. I don't believe He "rewards" us based on our giving, but it is a good reminder of how humble we should be and that all we have is a gift from HIM!
I would say that giving is too often narrowed down to money. Money is easier to give then honest time or attention (not the feel good kind you get when serving food at a shelter...the everyday kind when you love and help the people that annoy you). And which do people need more? Which is more helpful?
Money can be helpful, sure, but it's also a very easy way to feel like "you did your part"...and I"m not just talking about charity here. Too many people look for "credit" in giving. And, as I've ranted in the past, it can put motivations in question.
So, how about giving attention to the person that bugs the crap out of you because they're so needy? The person that doesn't stop talking when they corner you in the church lobby? What if instead of looking for the quickest conversational exit, we engaged. Really engaged.
I'm not saying dont give money...you should. But in my mind, giving love makes more of a Kingdom impact than $100 in the plate.
thanks anonymous- for posting. great thought! its sortof the we love because he first loved us--his love is way greater, so is his generosity...
and bob- i think you are right on. not only do people treat giving as a way to get god off their back, but i've heard some pretty prominent pastors TEACH this concept, "give your 10% and do whatever you want with the rest" that'd be like saying "come to church on sunday and spend the rest of your week at the crack house--no big deal!"
Surely for some, giving money is the EASY way out. But for some of us, it's a stumbling block like no other.
That's why I chose to focus on generosity, because while that applies to $$, it is a whole life attitude. In fact I know few people who are genuinely generous with $$ who aren't generous with other things as well. I think it is a whole package. Personally, giving generously of my loot is the missing piece that holds me back from being beautifully generous, and i know that when I'm giving my money. I have a more giving spirit all around.
I'd say it is all so connected that we can't afford to ignore any piece... b/c the beauty it brings into the world is so worth it.
Thanks to all for contributing!
I think this is starting to show us that we each have our own stumbling blocks. For me, personally, it is easy to give of myself...but not so easy to give up "my" cash. Bob seems to see the money as easier to give than the personal connection. It's amazing how one Creator, made us all wired so differently.
I think you have it right Dion, when you say that generosity covers it all. If we are generous...then we are generous with our time, our gifts, and our money. Holding on to any part of that is our sinful nature coming through. What a goal to reach for!
Anonymous has a point. And im with 'them' on this one.
I find it much easier to give my time and my talents than it is to give my money. I see it as God gave me my talents so i use them to better serve him. But i never really think of the fact that God gave me my money aswell.
To me it seems harder for me to see my money as comign from God because I physically recieve it from my boss or from the bank or wherever but its easier for me to see my talents as God-given, because he created me. That is where i fall.
But the question in my mind is...Is it really possible to find the perfect balance and if so what is that balance?
As fellow church workers, we completely understand the struggle of giving. But, we too have come a long way in our thinking and feel privileged to be able to further God’s kingdom through giving of ourselves—time, finances, etc.
I do think, though, that giving to God is an important thing to model in our own families. Listening to a sermon or talking to someone about how much money or time you are going to give isn’t a huge motivator for most people. It might even make some people feel guilty and give out of obligation, which is not what God wants us to do. I’m not sure how to model giving in our own family, but I know that it has to be more than seeing us put an envelope in the offering plate. We want our girls to know that it’s a joy and privilege. Any ideas? We have come learn that the more of us we invest in God’s kingdom, whether it’s the local church or the area crisis pregnancy center, the more people will come to know Jesus and be with us in heaven. Isn’t that what it’s ultimately all about?
We didn’t come to these conclusions until we took the selfishness out of our thinking in terms of giving and learned to trust God. And that only happened with God’s help—no credit taken here. There were many times when we weren’t sure how we were going to make ends meet and it seemed like cutting out the check to the church was the best way to go. But, when we didn’t, we saw God do amazing things and bless us in those difficult situations.
I find myself feeling "justified" because we also give our 10%...but as soon as we are in a situation where we are asked to prayerfully consider doing more...I find myself feeling put off. Obviously if I feel able to prayerfully consider it, God has blessed us!! I find myself wanting to even it out...if I give money for this, then I will reduce that (therefore, coming out equal). I know it sounds ridiculous...it feels ridiculous to actually admit it as well.
In regard to Hartkes, we help teach our children through their allowance. They receive 50 cents per year each week: ie. 7 year old gets 3.50 a week. They put one dollar in each of the following: Church, Savings/College, Spending (the extra 50cents they choose. This gives them enough of their own church money to do something with...they have bought food at the grocery store with their money and taken it to a food bank, they give it at church/sunday school, they have put their money together to support a missionary in China, they have helped purchase animals (chicken) to send to other countries. They are still younger, but are able to see beyond themselves to see how to help reach out to others with the Gospel.
Wow, this really surprises me....and I suppose I have to chalk it up to each of us being different. But let me ask this directly:
Think of a person you can't stand. I don't mean someone you kinda get along with or someone you could give or take....i mean someone who has hurt you bad or someone who just irritates you beyond belief for whatever reason....
Is everyone saying its easier to really LOVE that person (not just tolerate them) than dropping a check in the plate?
If so, that astounds me.
If money is harder to give than love, why do we live in a country in which churches are HUGE, rich and impersonal? I have a hard time believing that it's because people are doing the 'hard' thing, and parting with their money....it seems that it's because giving money is easier than having relationship.
Is it just me?
bob- i don't think it should be an "either/or"
God wants us to do both.
And a person who strives to be generous will try to give both! hopefully no one is taking this as multiple choice thing :)
Bob-
OUCH! That really hit home today after attending church and having "issues" brought to the forefront as someone asked for a peaceful release from their call. I can honsestly say...I now see your point. I would have written a check far easier than it was to converse kindly (little alone really LOVE) with those who created the situation at hand. I guess there is a challenge lying ahead...no $ necessary for this one.
Bob really pulls out the importance of building relationships within our churches and schools, regardless of their size. You are right...OUCH! That's painful! :)
As Dion said, it takes generosity in all parts of what we do. We are to walk the walk...LOVING, CARING, GIVING, etc. God expects much of us, and loves us even though we constantly fall short. Sure makes me want to try harder with his help.
thanks again anonymous-especially for your honesty- and i wanted to give a shout out to the "california hartkes" up there. good to see you here ;)
Dion...
Yeah, I think you're exactly right. God does want us to do both, and as I said in a previous post, we should.
I wanted to openly challenge an idea that I see run rampant in Christianity today...that is:
Financial (vs. love/caring) giving in a Corporate (vs. personal, every-day) culture.
Yes, the financial and corporate christianity is good, but, in my opinion, it should never be talked about without the giving of yourself in everyday life...because if it is, it seems to encourage 'easy' corporate giving and worship, while making us forget that we're LIVING (and giving) christianity every day.
Thanks for this topic, dion...
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